Improving Late Stage Disease Management and End-of-Life Care by Understanding the Emerging Diagnosis of Geriatric Frailty Syndrome

The fastest growing demographics in the United States are those over the age of 70. However, evidence-based medicine has been lacking for this population. As we do a better job of managing organ-system disease, the needs of older and terminally ill people need to be re-evaluated in the context of syndromes relevant to their stage of the life cycle. Frailty Syndrome is an example with clinical and prognostic significance. Clinical and personal/family decision-making will be altered by understanding this condition. Secondary benefits of understanding are the ability to provide cost-effective care, appropriately admit and provide ongoing hospice care and faciltate family and caregiver relief that they are doing everything that they can for their loved one.