title: Special needs population: Care of the geriatric patient population in the perioperative setting.
abstract: The geriatric population, defined as people 65 years of age and older, undergoing surgical procedures is a vulnerable population. Age, once considered a contraindication for a surgical procedure, is no longer a constraint for individuals requiring surgical intervention. However, older adult patients are at increased risk for developing a variety of complications. This article reviews age-related physiological changes and discusses the special needs of the geriatric population across the perioperative continuum of care.
authors.forename: Kristen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Oster
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Oster
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D019338:Polypharmacy; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
keywords: elderly perioperative patients; geriatric surgical patients; vulnerable population