Complications particular to the elderly

Abstract

With advances in medical care and increasing life expectancy, the treatment options for elderly patients are both vast and evolving, combining both medical and surgical alternatives. The potential to both cure and improve the quality of life in this patient population is immense. People over the age of 85 are the fastest growing age class in our society today [1]. Those patients 65 years old and older are expected to be 20% of our population by 2025 [2]. More than half of these individuals will undergo major surgery, most after the age of 50 [2]. These patients are more likely to have cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes, and other health problems and are more likely to have elective surgery canceled [1, 2]. This patient population is more likely to present with advanced disease, require emergent surgery, and also has higher mortality when compared to younger patients [1, 2].