Public health and antiseptic measures, vaccination and antibiotics, have all contributed to the reduction in the incidence and impact of diseases due to infections in younger age groups. Unfortunately, however, infections remain a very important cause of both morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The reasons for the continued effect of infection on the older person are multifactorial. Firstly, the immune response alters with age and may result in opportunistic infections. Secondly, while the diagnosis and management of some infections in the elderly can present little problem, altered signs...

Most patients in developed nations with medical problems requiring hospital care are elderly. Increasingly the dividing line between general internal medi cine and acute geriatric medicine is becoming more blurred. It is, nevertheless, apparent that some elderly patients on medical or sub-specialty hospital wards become 'bed blockers'. Why? Also, why are 'bed blockers' less of a problem on an acute geriatric ward? Many clinicians believe this is related to a faster access to the long-stay beds of the geriatric unit. Even a brief study of hospital operating statistics will show this is not and...

Events in anyone day of the aged consist of the functions of daily living modified or enhanced for each individual according to his or her capability. It is the constant aim of the medical professions to enhance the individual's quality of life and to try to avoid what is preventable. Among some of the hazards of the geriatric day are fits, faints and falls. It is the fall which often highlights the first two and the consequences may be serious for an old person. Perhaps one day an easy way to circumvent the 'forces of gravity' or drugs to counteract impaired sensory input will be found. The...