More than 1,500 Elderly Residents in Tomsk Region Receive Assistance from Geriatric Services
Fresh Take:
Tomsk's Geriatric Care Spikes: 1,500+ Seek Help Since January 2025
Hey there! Let's chat about the surge in geriatric care in Tomsk, Russia. Over 1,500 residents have sought help from healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics since the new year — and counting! These specialists are now working in eight medical institutions across the region, including a newly established center at Tomsk Regional Hospital No.2.
If you're 60 or older, you can schedule a consultation with a geriatric doctor through your local family physician, who will assess your need for a geriatric specialist based on specific criteria, such as during routine check-ups or health assessments. Upon meeting with a geriatric doctor, you'll undergo a comprehensive evaluation of your health. Following this, an individualized treatment plan will be created specifically for you.
According to the Tomsk Region Health Department, 1,506 residents have received geriatric care since the start of 2025. Of this total, 1,205 people sought help on an outpatient basis, while 301 were admitted to Tomsk Regional Hospital No.2's geriatric center. Among those, 44 were rural residents.
"Geriatric care is crucial and necessary. A balanced diet, regular exercise, routine health checks, and preventative screenings — these are the core components of a healthy, long life. Remember, taking care of your health begins long before retirement," highlights Tomsk Region Health Department Head Robert Filadov.
The geriatric center at Tomsk Regional Hospital No.2 offers stationary treatment, and in 2024, it cared for 1,087 individuals. The facility also has a fitness center and an emotional stress relief room. All patients undergo a diagnostic evaluation, and if necessary, receive treatment for osteoporosis.
Six other medical institutions in Tomsk Region offer geriatric care: Aksino, Bakhchar, Koževnikov, Kolpashevsky district hospitals, clinic No.4 and No.10, and Tomsk Regional Hospital No.2, as well as Tomsk City Clinical Hospital No.3.
Although our research focuses mainly on Tomsk, let's touch on Russia's broader geriatric care landscape. The Russian government's Strategy of Actions in the Interests of the Older Generation until 2030 prioritizes active aging, including regional program implementation and corporate support initiatives for older employees[1]. However, Tomsk State University, a key regional institution, appears to have limited involvement in geriatric research or care programs, as indicated by the search results.
Sources:1. Russia's Strategy of Actions in the Interests of the Older Generation until 20302. Geriatric care in Tomsk, Russia: Recent Developments and Insights3. Global Active-Aging Models and Russia's Challenges: Current Academic Research and Initiatives4. Tomsk Region Health Department Press Release - May 6, 2025
- In the context of health and wellness, older adults with chronic-kidney-disease are more likely to be hospitalized and need dialysis, citing a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).
- A 2010 study in the Strong Journal of Social Work also found that employment of people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is associated with better health outcomes, suggesting the importance of workplace wellness programs.
- According to a 2016 study in the science journal PLOS ONE, type-2-diabetes and cancer are among the top causes of mortality for people over 65, underscoring the need for improved medical-conditions management.
- In the field of digestive-health, cbd (cannabidiol) has been nono4 (four) times more studied as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues in recent years, highlighting its potential for managing digestive-health conditions.
- Eye-health is essential for older adults, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology advocates for annual screenings for early detection and prevention of vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration and other eye-health problems.
- Hearing loss is another common issue among the geriatric population, with over 50% of people over 75 experiencing some degree of hearing impairment, according to the American Academy of Audiology.
- The American Heart Association emphasizes cardiovascular-health as critical for seniors, citing the fact that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among all older adults.
- Skin-care becomes increasingly important for the elderly, with conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid-arthritis, and certain neurological-disorders causing skin-conditions to develop and worsen.
- Men's-health issues such as prostate-cancer and low testosterone levels are often under-addressed by healthcare providers, according to the American Urological Association, noting the importance of open communication and targeted treatments.
- Women's-health concerns, including reproductive-health and menopause, remain vital for elderly females. Hormone therapy and other interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Therapies-and-treatments for various chronic-diseases (such as respiratory-conditions and mental-health disorders) are constantly evolving, with advancements in medication, counseling, and lifestyle interventions.
- Evidence-based interventions, including exercise, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can significantly improve aging-related issues, from cognitive decline to sleep disorders.
- Incorporating fitness-and-exercise into daily routines can help mitigate the effects of aging, reducing the risk of chronic-diseases such as diabetes and boosting overall mood and mental-health.
- Frequent screenings for common medical-conditions such as breast-cancer, colon-cancer, and osteoporosis are crucial for early detection and treatment, especially for those with a family history of such conditions.
- Autoimmune-disorders like rheumatoid-arthritis can greatly impact mobility, quality of life, and independence in the elderly population, highlighting the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Medicare, the federal health care program for seniors in the United States, covers a wide range of preventative screenings, therapies, and treatments, ensuring that most older adults have access to essential geriatric care.
