Book excerpt: "Geriatric medicine is generally defined as medical care for adults aged 65 years and older. In Africa and in many developing countries, where the average life expectancy is less than 65 years, medical care of the older adult is still being defined and is in its infancy stages. There are also disparities in health and health care of older adults of African origin in most countries across the world. The aim of this book is to provide a clinical practice resource for physicians and allied health professionals, as they deliver clinical care for older adults of African descent all over the world. It is not intended to be a comprehensive textbook for geriatric medicine. Instead, we focus on common health care issues and unique cultural characteristics that often impact health care utilization in this vulnerable subset of older adults. Chapter authors are medical experts from across several continents, with extensive training and experience in providing medical care for older adults of African descent"--