[Characterization of morbidity and seeking of ambulatory care among the elderly]

Chronic diseases accumulate with age; the share of chronic diseases, particularly endocrine, circulatory, and gastrointestinal, in total morbidity structure increases. As a result of health deterioration, elderly people have to visit outpatient centers 5 times more often. Patients of advanced age consult their local therapists more and more often. A greater number of home visits (23.7 times per annum) and of registered cases (9.7) are due to patients aged 70-74 years. The share of home visits increases. Proper, timely, and adequate organization of care of elderly patients at home will essentially increase the volume of outpatient medical care and thus decrease the number of emergency calls to elderly patients and the rate of their hospitalization.