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Preface to the Sixth Edition

The Sixth Edition of this acclaimed international textbook of geriatric medicine continues the fine traditions of previous editions by including the latest insights into the often complex illness scenarios of old age, each of which is supported by laying the principles of care and building practical management guidance from this foundation. As before, we have attempted to provide an up‐to‐date, evidenced‐based approach to developing chapters and including only relevant tables and figures along with four or more key points in each. Many chapters are new versions, and others are updated. All authors either have an international reputation in their field of study or have been identified as up‐and‐coming geriatricians and scientists who in the years to come will continue to lead the campaign for better high‐quality medical care for all older people globally.

This Sixth Edition has been positively facilitated by the addition of two new editors: Matteo Cesari from Italy and Medha Munshi from the United States. Both are international experts with significant university appointments and strong reputations for excellent clinical science. We have also been generously supported for this Sixth Edition by the tremendous backing of four new associate editors: Ahmed Hafiz (UK), Milta Little (US), Julien Delrieu (France), Beatrice Arosio (Italy), and Suzanne Salamon (US). They have tirelessly undertaken their roles and responsibilities with great professionalism and skill.

This international textbook has been particularly challenging not only because of the immense field it covers in two volumes with more than 130 chapters, but also because of the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Whilst the textbook prides itself on ensuring that the majority of chapters are written by practising clinicians, this has created dilemmas on many occasions for those clinicians wishing to complete chapters when their whole day or week was taken up with Covid‐related duties. It is a real tribute that those authors affected by Covid‐19 managed to complete their writing tasks.

Modern geriatric medicine is a discipline that has now universally established itself as distinct and separate from general internal medicine. Although many of the clinical and scientific principles are similar, geriatric medicine requires a greater understanding of ageing and age‐related pathophysiology in order to understand the varied presentation of disease in old age and deliver targeted medical care. It also requires a remarkable commitment to examining how environmental and social factors influence care and prognosis. In the future, of course, there will be a need for a greater emphasis on preventative care. We hope this textbook will influence and inspire future geriatricians to strive for excellence as always.

Alan J. Sinclair

John E. Morley

Bruno Vellas

Matteo Cesari

Medha Munshi