Normal Changes of Aging and Their Impact on Care of the Older Surgical Patient

Patients 65 years of age or older constitute a large part of the perioperative population. Because the older patient's physiology is unique, it is essential that health care providers recognize the normal physiology of aging and be able to differentiate normal changes of aging from those of pathology. The normal changes of aging result in the older patient presenting differently with specific care needs. Care to this older population must be individualized by providers who are familiar with geriatrics in order to enhance outcomes.