Handle older trauma victims with care
Marilyn K. Bartley MSN, RN, FNP-C
Lori A. Shiflett MSN, RN, ANP-BC, CCRN

$7.95 		Nursing2013 Critical Care
November 2011 
Volume 6  Number 6
Pages 42 - 47
 
  PDF Version Available!

ABSTRACT
With the graying of America, older adults are increasingly victims of injury from falls and other traumatic events. Physical changes that occur with aging affect severity of injury and recovery and decrease physiologic reserves. Older adults' physiologic status may differ from that of younger adults and negatively affect their response to traumatic events. This article will help you tune into these differences and their consequences so you can provide the specialized care these patients need.More than 12% of the U.S. population is 65 and older. Over the next several decades, this number is projected to grow to more than 20% of the total population.1 Healthcare and technology advances have paved the way for older adults to be more active, enjoy healthier lifestyles, and live longer. Hospitals are developing units designed specifically for older adults, and nursing programs are incorporating more gerontologic content.As the population of older adults grows, however, traumatic injuries are also on the rise. Unintentional injury is the ninth leading cause of death in those age 65 and older, with falls topping the list.2 Older adults may have a lower risk of traumatic injury than their younger counterparts due to factors such as more cautious driving and less risky behavior, but they're more likely to suffer more severe injuries or die. This increase in morbidity and mortality stems from a decline in physiologic reserves with aging, which can be quickly exceeded after a traumatic injury.With aging, the body undergoes a progressive loss of function. Vital organs lose their ability to compensate in times of physical and metabolic stress.3 For more information, see How age-related changes raise the risk and also see Resource at the end of this article.The means by which a person is injured is called the mechanism of injury. Falls, the leading cause of injury and injury-related mortality in older adults in the United States, account for nearly 62% of the total causes of injury

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