Geriatric medicine in the European union:Unification of diversity

The numbers of older people in the European Union are increasing and, with their associated healthy needs, there is a requirement for the speciality of Geriatric Medicine to be available throughout Europe. At present, specialists in Geriatric Medicine are not recognised in some of the European Union member countries. It is imperative that training in Geriatric Medicine should take place throughout Europe, starting at undergraduate level and progressing through postgraduate training. There must be a programme of continuing medical education and personal development. This paper highlights some of these challenges and suggests a possible way forward. ((C))2003, Editrice Kurtis.