Function is the central outcome
The WHO frames healthy ageing around functional ability: what people can be and do in their environments. This includes mobility, cognition, relationships, autonomy and participation.
Disease control remains important, but a technically successful intervention can still fail if it worsens function or does not fit the person’s priorities.
Use a multidimensional assessment
Geriatric practice considers medical conditions, medications, nutrition, falls, cognition, mood, daily activities and social support. Problems often interact and cannot be solved by one score or device.
Goals and trade-offs should be revisited as health and circumstances change.
Technology as support
Remote monitoring, reminders and digital assessments may help identify change and coordinate care. They require accessible design, privacy protection and a clear response when a warning is generated.
Technology should not shift responsibility to an older person or replace human support where it is needed.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is longevity a treatment programme?
It is a broad goal, not a single intervention. Individual care should be based on evidence, risks, function and personal priorities.
Can an app perform a geriatric assessment?
It may support structured data collection, but interpretation and care planning require qualified human review.
Evidence base
Primary and authoritative sources
Use the linked source documents for professional or current interpretation.