Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2006 , Vol 52 , Num 1

Frail Elderly

Tanju Beğer 1
1 İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Geriatri Bilim Dalı, İstanbul

There are many morphological and functional alterations in organ systems of humans with aging. Although these changes are related to genetical, environmental and social factors, there are also diversity of disease characteristic among individuals which lead to healty and fragile elderly. The gradual decrease in function of organ systems because of ageing, decrease in organ reserve capacity, body muscle mass (sarcopenia), bone density (osteopeni), increase in tendency to inflamation, changes in immune system and neuroendocrine functions lead to fragile elderly. There are also specials concerns about the therapy.

Keywords : Frailty, elderly, ageing, oldest old