Geriatric Screening and Preventive Care

Geriatric Screening and Preventive Care
Mary C. Spalding and Sean C. Sebesta
American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp

The population greater than 65 years of age will increase to approximately 21% of the population within by 2050. The leading causes of death for persons 65 years and older are heart disease, malignant neoplasm, cerebrovascular disease and chronic lower respiratory disease. Therefore there is significant opportunity to provide education and counseling for preventative therapies. Those therapies include tobacco cessation, nutrition and exercise counseling. A reduction in tocacco use, a heart healthy diet and increase in physicial activity are known to increase life expectancy and improve health regardless of age. Another improvement strategy to decrease mortality include aspirin use for those patient who do not have contraindications. Evidence based medicine screening is recommended in population greater than 65 years for the following conditions: abdominal aortic aneursym (one time screening), alcohol misue (at least once), aspirin prophylaxis, breast cancer, calcuim supplements (females), cholestrol, colorectal cancer, depression, daibetes, diet, hearing impairment, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and visual impairment. Other screens had little or no impact.