TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Geriatric Principles A1 - Stern, Michael E. A1 - Ahronheim, Judith C. A1 - Howland, Mary Ann A2 - Nelson, Lewis S. A2 - Howland, Mary Ann A2 - Lewin, Neal A. A2 - Smith, Silas W. A2 - Goldfrank, Lewis R. A2 - Hoffman, Robert S. PY - 2019 T2 - Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 11e AB - The population is aging steadily across the world. In the United States, people older than 65 years of age comprise an increasing proportion of the population at large (14.5%), and those 85 years and older represent the fastest growing segment of the population.3 The elderly also comprise an increasing proportion of patients cared for in multiple medical settings, not the least of which is the emergency department (ED) setting. As a result of continuing advances in health education, technology, and pharmacotherapy, many people are living longer. Long life is associated with an increased disease burden. The aging of the “baby boomer” generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) is rapidly changing the medical landscape. Compared with all other age groups, patients 65 years of age and older account for 16% of the total population of patients who visit an ED, one-third of ED ambulance arrivals, and the highest proportion of patients in EDs triaged as emergent.32 Moreover, this population represents the highest number of hospital and intensive care unit admissions.159 SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1163009883 ER -