The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) are short self-report questionnaires used to screen and assess depression and anxiety severity in medical and community samples. However, little is known about their psychometric properties in individuals with anxiety and mood disorders (AMD) This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in individuals with AMD. Individuals (n = 244, mean age 39.9 ± 12.3 years) with AMD completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, as well as other measures of depression, anxiety, and a structured diagnostic interview. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.87 and 0.84, respectively). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 showed a weak correlation with clinician-rated scales HAM-D and HAM-A (r = 0.316, p < 0.01, r = 0.307, p < 0.01, respectively). For the PHQ-9, a cut score of ≥11 resulted in 72% sensitivity and 72% specificity at recognizing depression symptoms. For the GAD-7, a cut score ≥7 resulted in 73% sensitivity and 54% specificity at recognizing any anxiety disorders. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two-factor structure ("cognitive/affectional", "somatic") for both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. In conclusion, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 have adequate formal psychometric properties as severity measures for symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with AMD. The PHQ-9 performs well as a screener using a cut score of ≥11. However, the clinical utility of the GAD-7 as a diagnostic tool for recognition of anxiety disorders is limited.

Background: The growing challenges of population aging create a pressing need for specialized geriatric medicine services to effectively address the complex health needs of older adults and influence supportive healthcare policies. Older patients may present clinical complexity with multimorbidity, disability, and/or frailty, necessitating a shift from the traditional organ-oriented clinical approach to a holistic, patient-centered care model. Rationale of the action: Despite recommendations from the World Health Organization and scientific and professional societies, geriatric medicine is not universally recognized as a distinct specialty in Europe, and education in this field remains heterogeneous. A notable discrepancy in the availability of geriatric services and education in this field across European countries can be found. Many healthcare professionals lack basic training in geriatric medicine, contributing to fragmented care and poorer health outcomes. To address these challenges, it is essential to integrate geriatric medicine into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula for all healthcare professionals. Expected outcomes: The COST Action 21,122 PROGRAMMING (PROmoting GeRiAtric Medicine in countries where it is still eMergING) initiative aims to promote geriatric medicine by developing targeted educational goals and programs and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This initiative aims to assess the current state of geriatric medicine education and identify both global and local educational needs for developing clinical skills among healthcare professionals. In addition, it seeks to establish consensus on core curricula tailored to local contexts and disseminate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. By uniting diverse stakeholders, PROGRAMMING aspires to create sustainable changes in geriatric care across Europe. Graphical

Introduction: Geriatric Medicine (GM) has evolved in Europe over the past few decades, although variably across countries. The aim of this paper is to explore the GM specialty status, postgraduate and undergraduate education for medical students, nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), academic development and GM clinical services in Europe. Methods: We collected cross-sectional data from 38 European countries as listed by the World Health Organization with an online quantitative survey. This study is part of the PROGRAMMING COST Action, which stands for PROmoting GeRiAtric Medicine in countries where it is still eMergING and is funded by the European Cooperation for Science and Technology. Results: GM is recognised as a distinct specialty in 24 countries (63.15%), while specialty training is available in 21 countries (55.26%). Principles of GM are included in the undergraduate curricula for medical students in all or most medical universities in 24 countries (63.15%), for nurses in 26 countries (68.42%) and for AHPs in 19 countries (50%). Geriatric hospital wards are present in 28 countries (73.68%), and in eight countries, there are no GM clinical services available, especially in Southern Europe. GM is a standalone academic discipline in 20 countries (52.63%), and advanced academic doctoral study is available in 18 countries (47.36%). GM is more established in Northern and Western Europe. Conclusion: Our study highlights the inconsistent development of GM across European countries. It provides a foundation for policy development and educational reform to meet the needs of Europe’s ageing population.

Expanding longevity, together with a decrease in mortality, leads to an increase in the older population worldwide. In this review, ageing and older adults, as well as psychosocial and advanced technological interventions, will be discussed. Older adults are associated with an increased incidence of multimorbidity and disability; thus, they have a higher demand for health services than younger individuals. Challenges in welfare services and inadequate family and community-based care support negatively impact the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of older people. Active ageing and successful ageing are crucial aspects for a better quality of life in this age group, as there is a complex interplay of different domains and disease types that influence quality of life in older adults. Additionally, promoting the social participation of older adults is vital for improving their quality of life. Furthermore, the use of technology in older adults has a positive impact on their quality of life; however, aside from the promotion and implementation of technological interventions, challenges persist at all levels of acceptance and use. A better understanding of these challenges and implementing measures to overcome them will have a significant impact on the technological acceptance of older adults and their use in daily life activities, resulting in more favourable quality of life outcomes.

Key summary points AbstractSection Aim To present and contextualise the 2025 revision of the European Training Requirements (ETR) for the Specialty of Geriatric Medicine, developed under the auspices of the European Union of Medical Specialists-Geriatric Medicine Section (UEMS-GMS), and to summarise its main innovations in structure, content, and pedagogical approach. AbstractSection Highlights The 2025 ETR strengthens the 2020 version by further developing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) to harmonise postgraduate geriatric training across Europe. It updates and expands the content and recommends the knowledge-based European Geriatric Medicine Specialty Exam (EGeMSE) as part of the certification standards. AbstractSection Message The 2025 ETR reflects the continued evolution of European geriatric medicine education, uniting scientific progress and competency-based pedagogy within a coherent, evidence-informed framework that promotes excellence, mobility, and comparability of specialist training across Europe. It establishes a forward-looking standard designed to remain fit for purpose over the next 5 years.