As global demographics shift dramatically, aging populations are reshaping healthcare priorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2030, one in six people globally will be aged 60 years or older, with the number doubling to 2.1 billion by 2050.1 This aging trend places mounting pressure on health systems, which must address the complex and often interdependent medical, psychosocial, and functional needs of older adults. In response, many healthcare institutions are turning to specialized geriatric centers to improve care delivery and optimize outcomes.

A cornerstone of geriatric care is the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a multidimensional diagnostic process designed to evaluate an older person's health status across several domains. CGA goes beyond traditional medical evaluation by integrating clinical, functional, psychological, and environmental factors.2, 3, 4 This approach has been shown to reduce hospital admissions, improve medication management, and enhance functional independence.5,6 Notably, CGA has been associated with improved survival and reduced institutionalization in frail elderly populations.7

From a medical standpoint, CGA includes the diagnosis and management of chronic illnesses, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes. Functionally, it assesses mobility, nutritional status, and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs and IADLs), often identifying early signs of decline that would otherwise be overlooked.8 Cognitively and psychosocially, it screens for depression, dementia, and social support deficits—key determinants of well-being among older adults.9 Environmentally, it ensures that home settings are safe, accessible, and supportive of autonomy, a critical factor in aging in place.10

Like many countries, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid demographic transition. Increased life expectancy, declining fertility rates, and improved healthcare access have resulted in a growing older adult population.11 According to national projections, individuals aged 60 and above will comprise nearly 25 % of the Saudi population by 2050.12 This epidemiological shift necessitates a strategic transformation in health service delivery.

King Abdulaziz Hospital (KAH) in Mecca stands at the forefront of this transformation. As one of the region’s most prominent tertiary care centers, KAH has historically been a leader in integrating innovative care models, research, and evidence-based practices into routine clinical workflows. The hospital’s decision to establish a dedicated geriatric center reflects a proactive commitment to addressing the evolving needs of older adults in the Kingdom.

The geriatric center at KAH incorporates CGA into its core operating framework. Its multidisciplinary team—comprising physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and physical therapists—conducts tailored assessments and develops individualized care plans. These care plans aim to preserve autonomy, minimize hospitalizations, and enhance quality of life.

This study seeks to explore the implementation of CGA practices at the KAH geriatric center and to understand the facilitators and barriers associated with its adoption. Using a qualitative design, we gather insights from two key stakeholder groups: (1) primary healthcare providers involved in CGA delivery and (2) older adults receiving geriatric care at the facility. This dual perspective provides a nuanced understanding of both the operational and experiential dimensions of CGA implementation.

To examine the institutional and structural challenges encountered during the establishment and operation of the geriatric center.

To explore the perceptions, experiences, and outcomes associated with CGA adoption from the perspective of both providers and patients.

To identify context-specific strategies that may inform future expansion of geriatric services in Saudi Arabia and similar settings.

The complex healthcare demands of aging populations require innovative, scalable, and sustainable care models. Geriatric centers rooted in CGA principles represent a critical evolution in care delivery, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, where demographic pressures are accelerating. Prior studies have demonstrated the clinical and economic benefits of CGA, including reduced emergency visits and improved care coordination.5,13

Moreover, establishing such centers contributes to broader national health strategies, such as Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes healthcare system modernization and patient-centered care. It also aligns with international recommendations for the integration of geriatrics into primary care.14,15

In summary, this study presents a timely case example of how a major healthcare institution is responding to the demographic imperative of aging. By evaluating the real-world implementation of CGA at King Abdulaziz Hospital, we aim to contribute to the evidence base on geriatric care innovation, while offering practical insights for replication and scale-up in comparable health systems.