As a population we are growing older and living longer. Gerontological nursing is crucial to meet the health needs of our ever increasing aging population.

Gerontological nursing draws on the knowledge regarding complex factors that affect the health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a form of dementia such as Alzheimer's. In many clinical settings, the majority of patients are older adults. Thus, experts recommend that all nurses, not only those identified as geronto- logical nurses, need specialized knowledge about older adults to enhance the quality of care received by the older person.