Geriatrics ans palliative care: two medical specialities with many common points

This paper refers to common points relevant to both palliative medicine and geriatrics. We may find these relationships in parallel initial histories, doctrines, purposes, and working methodologies. Prioritizing quality of life over length of life has great relevance in both branches of Medicine. Common ground also appears in the interdisciplinary approach needed in both sciences, demanding a holistic clinical approach and a permanent fight against any form of ageism. The main focus is directed to elderly patients with advanced diseases, in the understanding that patient, family, and caregivers are an integral care unit. The paper stresses the need for advances in the development of both specialities in assistential, formative, and research fields.