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Preface to the Fifth Edition

The Fifth Edition of this widely known international textbook incorporates the latest evidence of research into the often complex management of common clinical problems in older people. We as Editors embarked on this edition with the knowledge that John Pathy would be there to guide us with all his wisdom and incredible grasp of the discipline of Geriatric Medicine. His untimely departure from this world left a major gap for us, but we have worked very closely as an editorial team, supported by Wiley‐Blackwell, and hope that this edition fulfils all the expectations and objectives that were set when we originally sat down with John Pathy to discuss the textbook. We pay tribute to John Pathy as a tremendous role model for aspiring geriatricians all over the world and hope that his textbook will continue to educate all those who seek enlightenment in caring for older people.

We have used, wherever possible, an evidence‐based approach to developing each chapter and asked all authors to think hard on what are the key messages. Chapters that have been revised and updated were edited closely to ensure that the clinical pathway is still highly relevant and that the references also reflected an in‐depth revision process. A new layout of chapters will be apparent and is based on grouping chapters with similar clinical relevance and where similar pathophysiological mechanisms may be operating. In a majority of chapters, we have leading international authors who are experts in the field.

Wide clinical experience is the hallmark of a sound geriatrician or other healthcare specialist who claims expertise in managing older people who are hospitalized or who have clinically deteriorated in the community. This may take many years of training, although at an early stage of their careers, recognition of the varying nature of illness in old age and how both simple and focused interventions can lead to health gain are prerequisites for enhancing clinical care. This textbook should complement these activities irrespective of the status of the practitioner but, as always, reading a book and acquiring knowledge must be accompanied by a practical clinical care approach aligned with compassion and understanding of the critical issues affecting older people.

Professor Alan Sinclair would like to thank Caroline Sinclair, and Professor John Morley would like to thank Susan Brooks, for their tremendous assistance in helping them to complete their editorial tasks, and the Editors would like to express their appreciation of the incredible patience and support from Gill Whitley and Robyn Lyons at Wiley‐Blackwell.

Alan J. Sinclair

John E. Morley

Bruno Vellas