Trans-cultural geriatrics: an incipient challenge

Besides extended life expectancy, the globalization, increased mobility and migration are additionally influencing the structural change of the society. Thereafter, the problem of multiculturalism, as known within the school system, will soon also become relevant in the geriatrics. Thus, being in a foreign country as an elderly person can aggravate the common geriatric problem of isolation. Because of better communication, compliance as well as better quality of life, one should strive for empathy between physician and patient. This requires the physician's sensibility for individual aspects of the patient's history, as well as knowledge, or at least a readiness for learning more about other cultures, religions and traditions. Specifically, fundamental aspects of Islam, Eastern Christianity, Judaism and Far-East religious and cultural understanding are presented.