title: An overview of special considerations in the evaluation and management of the geriatric patient.
abstract: As the population ages, physicians will care for increasing numbers of older patients. Promoting independence is a major goal of care. Gastrointestinal dysfunction is often caused by chronic disease, medications, and lifestyle exposures, rather than to age alone. A useful approach to the older patient focuses on maintaining function and avoiding complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Barry
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans