[Geriatric multimorbidity--one of the key problem of contemporary medicine]

In the elderly population there are common permanent decrease of functional capacity, gradual emergence of various diseases leading to the wider multimorbidity and increased problems in the social sphere, which can develop frailty and social dependency. The paper analyzes the complex issue of geriatric multimorbidity and emphasizes its pitfalls, the need of an interdisciplinary approach and thinking of doctors, including the risks of modern pharmacotherapy. The aim of geriatric medicine is to optimize residual functions despite the decline in total functional capacity with increasing multimorbidity. The authors want to direct the attention of the professional community to the permanently growing numbers of the elderly and to emphasize the need of awareness of the problem so that they could understand and cope with this absolutely new reality.