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[The elderly patient--who is that?]
1Institut für Biomedizin des Alterns, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg und Klinikum Nürnberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Strasse 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland. sieber@klinikum-nuernberg.de
Der Internist
|October 16, 2007
Summary
Chronological age alone is insufficient for defining elderly patients in geriatrics. Functional decline and frailty, characterized by inflammation, necessitate a broader definition for geriatric care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Aging Research
- Clinical Gerontology
Context:
- Traditional geriatric definitions rely solely on chronological age (65+ years).
- This age-based definition is increasingly inadequate for identifying patients needing geriatric care.
- Functional decline and increased vulnerability are key characteristics of aging.
Purpose:
- To propose a more comprehensive definition of the geriatric patient.
- To incorporate factors beyond chronological age into geriatric patient identification.
- To reflect the pathophysiological changes associated with aging.
Summary:
- Geriatric patient definition requires considering factors beyond chronological age.
- Frailty, a state of increased vulnerability linked to subclinical inflammation, is a crucial indicator.
- In 2007, German geriatric societies collaboratively developed an updated definition.
Impact:
- Improved identification of elderly individuals requiring specialized geriatric assessment.
- Enhanced understanding of frailty and inflammation in aging populations.
- Foundation for refined clinical practice guidelines in geriatrics.
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