geriatric

 
Pronunciation: /ˌdʒɛrɪˈatrɪk/

adjective

  • relating to old people, especially with regard to their health care: a geriatric hospital
  • informal decrepit; very old or outdated: replacements for a geriatric locomotive fleet

noun

  • an old person, especially one receiving special care: a rest home for geriatrics

Origin:

1920s: from Greek gēras 'old age' + iatros 'doctor', on the pattern of paediatric

Geriatric is the normal, semi-official term used in Britain and the US when referring to the health care of old people ( a geriatric ward; geriatric patients). When used outside such contexts, it typically carries overtones of being worn out and decrepit and can therefore be offensive if used with reference to people.