Number of geriatric doctors grows almost 380% in 14 years in Brazil

Data from IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) show that the elderly will no longer be the smallest share of the Brazilian population in 2023 and, in two decades from now, they will be the majority in the country.

The population aged 60 or over increased by 56% in relation to the 2010 Demographic Census. There are approximately 32,113,490 people in this age group, representing 15.6% of Brazil's population.

As this considerable portion of the population grows, concern regarding their health and well-being also increases. The good news is that the number of geriatric doctors in Brazil has also been increasing. However, there is still a lack of professionals.

Continue lendo

27/05/2026

Israel and Hezbollah clash in southern Lebanon as negotiations to end the war continue

Israel and Hezbollah clash in southern Lebanon as negotiations to end the war continue According to Iranian state TV,...

27/05/2026

Are you going to sell on faith alone? Controversial Ferrari Luce is presented to the Pope

Following the tradition of the great Italian brands, Ferrari went to "ask for blessing" for its latest product, the Lu...

27/05/2026

Corinthians: Andrés Sánchez's defense speaks out after expulsion

The law firm that represents Andrés Sánchez, former president of Corinthians, published a note this Wednesday morning...

The specialty, focused on caring for the health of elderly people, recorded an increase of 378.4% between 2011 and 2024, according to data from Medical Demography, a publication by the CFM (Federal Council of Medicine) and USP (University of São Paulo).

In 2011, the country had only 662 geriatricians. Today, there are more than 3 thousand professionals with recognized specialist titles, which corresponds to 1.49 specialists per 100 thousand inhabitants.

The number of women geriatricians is higher compared to men: 62.1% compared to 37.9%. The Southeast region has the largest number of these specialists, with 58.1%. In second place is the Northeast, with 16.9%, followed by the South region, with 14.1%, Central-West, with 8.6%, and the North region, with 2.3%.

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 When The Lights Go Down Bonnie Tyler

2 Natural Anton Ewald

3 Play With Fire Sam Tinnesz

4 Cachaça, Mulher e Gaia Cavaleiros do Forró

"Brazil is experiencing an accelerated process of population aging. However, the number of geriatricians is still insufficient to meet this growing demand. Although the specialty has gained greater recognition in recent years, it is essential to expand the training of geriatricians and also raise awareness among other health professionals about the principles of geriatric care", says Marco Túlio Cintra, geriatrician and president of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SBGG).

The growth in the training of geriatricians and the increasing need for these professionals occur in response to a change in the profile of the population. Chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia and heart disease, become more prevalent with aging and require continuous monitoring.

Cintra also explains that the geriatrician, in addition to being a specialist in human aging, also carries out prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management of clinical conditions and multiple diseases of the elderly.

"The objective is to maintain autonomy, functionality and quality of life, respecting the singularities and priorities of each individual. The geriatrician monitors all phases of aging, from the first signs of the transition to old age to moments of greater fragility, including palliative care and support for the elderly person and their family in the face of finitude. It is continuous care", he explains.

It is recommended that people over 60 seek care from a geriatrician. However, monitoring may begin even earlier.

"Younger people, with complex chronic diseases or who wish to prepare for healthy aging, can also benefit from geriatric assessment. The sooner monitoring is started, the greater the chances of preventing complications and preserving quality of life over time", adds Cintra.

Who will take care of the elderly? We have know-how, but few experts

Source: CNN