In this review the development of the specialty of geriatric medicine in the UK is traced from its humble beginnings. Elderly medicine is now thriving and represents the largest group of physician members of the Royal Colleges of Physicians. Geriatric medicine is essentially about optimising the care and wellbeing of older people. A key component of this is teamwork. A successful service for old people depends on the skills of many people, including nurses, therapists, social workers, and others. The contributions made by nurses and other professionals have been immense, but space does not permit a historical review of their important role.