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Elders are the fastest growing segment of our population. In fact, we are in the middle of a longevity revolution. They account for 50% of hospital days and fill 60-70% of hospital beds; in addition, they make up 70% of homecare patients and 90% of nursing home residents. The numbers and percentages of older adults are continuing to rise; they are now the core business of health care, using the majority of health care services. Older adults are not the same as younger adults, and the age-related changes that are present will affect the care provided. To provide compassionate, quality care, health care professionals need to be aware of the changes associated with aging. In fact, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations now requires that health care staff demonstrate age-specific competencies. This article provides an overview of normal age-related changes and strategies for caring for older adults in radiology departments, or “Clinical Alerts.” Elders are the fastest growing segment of the population. In fact, there is a longevity revolution. In 2000, 12.6% of the population was aged 65 or older. By 2030, about one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and 10% of these will be over 80 (Administration on Aging & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). All health care providers encounter older adults; indeed, the majority of health services are provided to older adults. They account for 50% of hospital days and fill 60-70% of hospital beds; in addition, they make up 70% of homecare patients and 90% of nursing home residents (Healthcare in America, 2004). To provide compassionate, quality care, health care professionals need to be aware of the changes associated with aging. In fact, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations (JCAHO) now requires that health care staff demonstrate age-specific competencies (JCAHO, n.d.). This article provides an overview of normal age-related changes and strategies for caring for older adults in radiology departments, or “Clinical Alerts.”
Chronological age is the length of time that has passed since a person was born (The State of Aging, 2004). Aging is a universal process that is part of the life course, and there is no clearly marked point when old age be-gins. Because of Medicare and social security eligibility regulations, people tend to think of age 65 as the point of becoming “senior citizens.” However, chronological age is not a good indicator of physical or psychological health (Biomarkers of Aging, 2001). Gerontologists of-ten categorize the elderly as young-old (age 65-75 years), middle-old (age 75-85 years), and old-old, or frail elderly (age 85 years and older). Although age categories can help with understanding the differences that may exist among older adults, the onset and degree of changes associated with aging vary tremendously. In addition, in the society there is so much social and cultural diversity that it is impossible to place everyone aged 65 and older into one group. This richness and diversity can be one of the great benefits of working with older patients. However, health care professionals cannot assume that a 60-year-old is healthier than an 80- year-old. Functional age, which is based on physical health and self-sufficiency, as well as psychosocial well-being, may be a more useful way to define age.
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