Learning Objective
Describe the major physiological, medical, and behavioral changes associated with aging, identify leading causes of mortality in adults >65 years, and apply principles of preventive care and risk-factor modification to improve health outcomes in older adults.
High-Yield Summary Table: Aging
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Leading causes of death (>65 yrs) | • Heart disease • Malignancy • Cerebrovascular disease • Chronic lower respiratory disease |
| Importance of prevention | Primary and secondary prevention significantly improve longevity and quality of life in older adults. |
| Modifiable risk factors | • Smoking → cessation • Poor diet → low sodium (CHF), low cholesterol (ACS), low sugar (DM) • Physical inactivity → regular exercise |
| Focus of geriatrics | Promotes independence, function, prevention, falls reduction, and chronic disease management. |
| Clinical implication | Most physicians care for older adults; understanding aging physiology is essential regardless of specialty. |
