IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES IN THE GERIATRIC POPULATION THROUGH INTEGRATED CARE MODELS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The world is undergoing an unprecedented demographic shift towards an aging population, presenting profound challenges to healthcare systems globally. Older adults are characterized by a high prevalence of multi-morbidity, polypharmacy, and complex geriatric syndromes, which are poorly managed by traditional, fragmented healthcare delivery models. In response, integrated care has emerged as a person-centered, holistic framework designed to address these complex, interconnected needs. This narrative review synthesizes the evidence on integrated care for the geriatric population. It explores the core components and theoretical underpinnings of integrated care, provides a typology of prominent models across primary care, hospital, community, and transitional care settings, and evaluates their evidence-based impact. The analysis covers clinical outcomes, such as improved chronic disease management and reduced functional decline; patient-reported outcomes, including enhanced quality of life and satisfaction; and healthcare utilization and cost-effectiveness. While the evidence strongly supports the multifaceted benefits of integrated care, widespread implementation is significantly hindered by systemic, organizational, and patient-level barriers. These include fragmented funding mechanisms, a lack of health information technology interoperability, professional resistance to change, and inadequate workforce training. The main conclusion is that realizing the full potential of integrated care requires a concerted effort toward policy reform, payment model transformation, and a strategic investment in a geriatrically competent workforce to create more equitable and effective age-friendly health systems.