TRAUMA IN ELDERLY

Abstract

The occurrence of trauma in the elderly is growing significantly due to the increase of number of this population. Currently, the more active lifestyle of the elderly leads them to be more exposed to the risk of accidents. Besides that, physiological ageing itself contributes to such risk: reduction of sight, reduction of hearing, use of medication, associated diseases and slow locomotion. Other organic systems also present reduction of their functions: renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and endocrine. Fall is the most frequent mechanism of trauma, followed by motor vehicle crash. After the trauma there is a decline in the quality of life of the elderly since they have difficulty to fully recover. The best method to diminish morbidity and mortality is to prevent the elderly from being exposed to risks. Minimum alteration of the physiological parameters can suggest potentially lethal injury. Therefore, the initial approach to the traumatized elderly should be with careful attention and rigorous monitoring.