The aging male: a challenge for urologists

The extension of life expectancy is one of the most dramatic achievements of the 20th century. Th elderly population, over 65 years, is the fastest growing age group. The implication of this population growth will need considerable medical and socioeconomic attention during the beginning of this century. A large proportion of elderly people are afflicted by several prevalent urological diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and androgen deficiency. The urologist is in a privileged position to play a key role in several medical aspects of the aging male. It is the responsibility of the urological community to address the challenge of the aging male in the beginning of this new millennium.