title: Maintaining health in older people with multiple chronic illnesses.
abstract: The effective management of the elderly patient who has multiple chronic conditions is an important clinical responsibility. Of special importance is an understanding and appreciation of the maintenance of function. A focus on the patient's needs and ability to function, rather than on the diseases from which he or she suffers, is more likely to improve productivity and quality of life. These goals can usually be achieved in the elderly patient without curing the underlying disease.
authors.affiliation: Program on Aging, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology