Final answer:
A 78-year-old female patient needing a yearly physical exam would consult a specialist in geriatrics, a field that focuses on the healthcare of the elderly and demands for which are anticipated to grow as the population ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geriatrics: The Specialty for Elderly Patients
A 78-year-old female patient in need of a yearly physical exam would consult a physician specializing in geriatrics. This medical specialty, formulated by Dr. Ignatz Nascher in the early 1900s, focuses specifically on the healthcare of elderly individuals. As the elderly population grows, the demand for geriatric specialists is significantly increasing. By 2025, it is expected that the healthcare system will require over 33,000 geriatricians to adequately meet the needs of aging Boomers, yet as of 2020, there were only 6,320 such specialists.
Geriatricians are well-equipped to handle the unique medical concerns of the elderly, such as arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and the natural decline in hormones. Additionally, they are knowledgeable in the progressive changes associated with aging, including sexual health and functionalities affected by aging. Due to the complexity of medical issues in older adults, comprehensive assessments conducted by geriatricians are essential for their well-being and quality of life.
Moreover, routine health screenings, like mammograms recommended for women aged 50 and older, are part of the preventative care spearheaded by geriatrics, aiming to catch diseases such as breast cancer early. With an informed and tailored approach, geriatricians can make a significant difference in the management of health conditions faced by the elderly, aligning with their needs and perceptions of good health as they differ from the younger populations.