Which field of science applies knowledge about aging to the care of older people?

The correct answer is geriatrics, which is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the health care and treatment of older adults. This field encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence aging and the complexities associated with medical care for elderly patients. Geriatrics aims to improve the quality of life for older people through preventive and therapeutic strategies tailored to age-related concerns, chronic conditions, and functional decline.

Gerontology, while closely related, is a broader term that studies the aging process itself and the implications for societies, communities, and individuals. It does include understanding health care needs but also encompasses other aspects of aging besides medical care. Pediatrics is concerned with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, which is distinct from the elderly population. Psychology focuses on the mental processes and behavior of individuals, and while it can overlap with geriatrics in terms of mental health in older adults, it does not specifically center around the care of aging individuals as geriatrics does.