Geriatric Emergencies

The elderly patient is becoming an increasingly larger demographic who seeks care in the emergency department (ED). According to the Census Bureau, in 2010, there were 40.3 million people aged 65 and above in the United States, comprising 13% of the overall population. By 2050, projections indicate the population over 65 will comprise 20.9% of the population. The elderly ED patient represents 43% of all admissions and just under 50% of intensive care unit admissions. This patient population is often quite complex, requires longer ED visits compared with their younger counterparts, undergoes far more testing, and often challenges us with ethical questions when they present with life-threatening disease.

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