[Prospects for the development of geriatric rehabilitation: A review of current trends and innovations.]

Abstract

Medical advances of the 20th-21st centuries have led to an unprecedented increase in life expectancy, giving rise to the phenomenon of global demographic aging. Yet this triumph is overshadowed by a new monumental challenge: ensuring not just long, but high-quality, active, and independent living in old age. Traditional healthcare models, primarily focused on treating acute conditions, prove inadequate in addressing age-related challenges - frailty, sarcopenia, multimorbidity, and cognitive decline - which lead to loss of functional autonomy. In this context, geriatric rehabilitation is undergoing a radical transformation. It is no longer merely a specialized «after-the-fact» service but is emerging as a cornerstone of healthy aging strategies. Its new mission is to sustain physical, cognitive, and social functioning for as long as possible, preventing or delaying dependency. This review examines the key modern trends and cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of geriatric rehabilitation - from digital technologies and personalized approaches to preventive strategies and integrated care systems.