[Elderly patient in an intensive critical unit]

Admission of elderly patients to intensive care units (ICU) is an increasing phenomenon. The severity of the disease causing admission and the basal functional patient's status are conditions more important than age to predict mortality and long term functional outcome. Studies demonstrate that elderly ICU survivors recover after discharge the majority part of their functional capability and perception of quality of life. On the contrary, these patients develop higher number of geriatric syndromes, mainly confusional syndrome. The culture of geriatric comprehensive assessment should be implemented in ICU and especially after discharge. The use of simple and validates scales (Barthel's Index, Lawton's Index and EuroQol-5D...) must be incorporated into the clinical practice. This is a good tool that could be useful for the specialists involved in the usually difficult decision of whether an elderly patient should or not be admitted to an ICU.