Geriatric medicine is a specialty that focuses on the health and health care of the elder population of patients. Duties of a physician in this type of specialty include: educating and promoting health, attempt to prevent conditions, and also treat any conditions in the elderly. Disorders and conditions of an aged human body differ from those in regular adult medicine. The main concerns of a physician in this type of specialty is focusing on the functional abilities of the body, the independence a patient may have in his or her condition, and the quality of life a patient may have. Physicians in geriatric medicine assist with teaching self-care to those who wish to be and are capable to be independent. Also, they may provide a facility where a patient is capable to receive assisted living. Examinations, care, and treatments are conducted by this type of physician. This may happen in regular appointments, before, after, or during a surgical procedure.