Because of many advances in medicine and biotechnology, an increasing number of individuals are surviving into old age, and we are now challenged to apply sophisticated medical knowledge to the care of the elderly citizen.
In nephrology, individuals older than 65 are the fastest-growing group of patients requiring dialysis. Similarly, in increasing numbers, elderly persons present themselves with renal complaints to their family doctor, the geriatrician or the nephrologist.
In August 1998, with the financial support of the John A. Hartford Foundation, leaders in geriatrics,...