The Perfect Pair: How Geriatrics and Lifestyle Medicine Work Together

Good Medicine

Aging well isn’t just about living longer—it’s about maintaining independence, vitality, and quality of life. As a board-certified geriatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, I take a holistic approach that merges two essential frameworks: the 5Ms of Geriatrics and the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Together, they provide a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing health in older adults.

The 5Ms of Geriatrics: A Framework for Comprehensive Senior Care

Geriatrics is built on the 5Ms, a structured approach to addressing the key challenges of aging:

1. Mind – Cognitive health, dementia prevention, and mental well-being.

2. Mobility – Maintaining strength and balance and reducing fall risk.

3. Medications – De-prescribing when possible to minimize side effects and polypharmacy.

4. Multi-complexity – Managing multiple chronic conditions in a patient-centered way.

5. Matters Most – Honoring personal goals, values, and quality of life preferences.

The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: The Foundation for Healthy Aging

Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing, treating, and even reversing chronic diseases through evidence-based lifestyle interventions:

1. Nutrition – A whole-food, plant-predominant diet to support brain and heart health.

2. Physical Activity – Regular movement to preserve mobility, strength, and function.

3. Sleep – Prioritizing rest to enhance recovery, cognition, and overall well-being.

4. Stress Management – Addressing chronic stress to prevent inflammation and disease.

5. Avoiding Risky Substances – Reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.

6. Social Connection – Building strong relationships to combat loneliness and support emotional health.

Where Geriatrics and Lifestyle Medicine Meet

The synergy between these two disciplines allows for a preventative, patient-centered approach that helps older adults thrive. For example:

• Mind & Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats supports brain function and reduces dementia risk.

• Mobility & Physical Activity: Strength training and balance exercises prevent falls and maintain independence.

• Medications & Avoiding Risky Substances: Lifestyle changes can reduce the need for multiple prescriptions.

• Multi-complexity & Stress Management: Managing stress through mindfulness and movement can help control chronic conditions.

• Matters Most & Social Connection: Understanding a patient’s values ensures that care aligns with their goals and supports their emotional well-being.

My Holistic Approach to Senior Care

In my practice, I integrate geriatrics and lifestyle medicine to provide care, prioritizing function, longevity, and joy in aging. By addressing both medical and lifestyle factors, I help my patients optimize their health, reduce their reliance on medications, and embrace habits that support aging with strength and purpose.

By merging these two specialties, we shift the focus from disease management to proactive, whole-person care, empowering older adults to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The Shortage of Physicians

​Access to geriatricians, particularly those also board-certified in lifestyle medicine, is limited. As of 2021, there were approximately 7,454 certified geriatricians in the United States. In contrast, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has certified over 200,000 physicians in internal medicine, representing about one-fourth of all U.S. physicians. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) also represents 130,000 family physicians, residents, and students. Since the inception of certification in 2017 by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM), the number of physicians obtaining this credential has been growing. According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), as of December 2024, 3,075 physicians in the U.S. have become board-certified in lifestyle medicine, along with 1,263 other health professionals.  This disparity highlights the relative scarcity of geriatric specialists compared to other primary care fields.

For individuals seeking to integrate principles of geriatrics and lifestyle medicine into their healthcare, consider the following approaches:

Collaborate with Your Primary Care Physician:

• Initiate Open Discussions: Share your health goals and concerns, emphasizing your interest in a holistic approach that includes lifestyle factors.​

• Develop a Personalized Wellness Plan: Work together to create a plan focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connections.​

Self-Education and Community Resources:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the 5Ms of Geriatrics and the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to understand key aspects of healthy aging.​

• Leverage Community Programs: Participate in local health workshops, fitness classes, or support groups emphasizing lifestyle modifications.​

Engage in Health Coaching:

• Consider Health Coaching: Engaging with a health coach can provide personalized guidance and support in implementing lifestyle changes.​

By taking these steps, you can actively contribute to your well-being and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life as you age.

I hope you found this helpful. Check out more blog posts on GeriAcademy.com