The Specificity of Geriatric Rehabilitation: Myth or Reality? A Debate from an Italian Perspective

Despite increasing evidence about its effectiveness, the specificity of geriatric rehabilitation too often remains an elusive question. In fact, the term “geriatric rehabilitation” is used to target a specific population (ie, older patients) rather than a specific approach. Recently in our country, a government guideline³ failed to indicate specific directions in this field, with negative consequences on the practice of old citizens’ rehabilitation. In this historical period in Italy, the rehabilitation of old persons lacks a scientific background to be followed by different services. In these conditions, because of the limited availability of economic resources and high demand for services with a proven cost-effectiveness, geriatric rehabilitation is at high risk of being overshadowed unless its proper value can be demonstrated.