Evaluating the older patient's ability to function

There are over 25 million Americans age 65 years and older, and the majority live independently. Advancing age increases the likelihood that some will require assistance in daily living. Nurse practitioners who serve this population can aid older adults to maintain independence as long as possible. This requires knowledge about physiological age changes as well as changes from pathological conditions and how each can affect function. In an effort to detect functional impairments, vital information can be gathered through a review of functional ability as well as observation of selected measures of function. Incorporation of tools that measure functional status can assist practitioners in determining need for formal health and psychosocial support services.