AIM: As the population ages, the number of elderly @entity1 suffering injuries is increasing. Reports from North America have shown an increasing proportion of elderly admissions with a disproportionate number of @entity204 . However, this trend has not yet been examined in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to determine unique characteristics of geriatric @entity1 as compared to the general @entity130 population. METHOD: The @entity130 database at @entity580 ( @entity580 ) was queried for @entity1 age 65 years and above admitted between 2005-2012. Demographics, mechanism of injury, length of stay, and disposition were recorded. RESULTS: 1644 @entity1 were included. The proportion of elderly @entity1 admissions increased from 15% to 20% over the study period (p=<0.001). There were 93 @entity204 (6%); mortality increased with age-9% for @entity1 85+ compared to 5% for age 65-84 (p=0.004). Elderly @entity130 @entity1 accounted for 38% of all @entity130 @entity204 . Average length of stay for survivors was 9 +/- 10 days, with 63% discharged home (n=1042), 19% to rehabilitation (n=316) and 7% to rest home (n=111). Falls were the most common mechanism (n=1261, 76%), however these @entity1 had lower mortality compared to road traffic collision (4% vs. 12%, p<0.001) and pedestrians struck (4% vs. 11%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: @entity580 has seen a significant increase in elderly @entity130 admissions without a change in catchment or referral pattern. These @entity1 have a higher mortality than those under 65, longer length of stay, and are less likely to return home. Specific education on fall prevention should be increased to lessen the burden on the health system as a whole. Given the linear increase in mortality, specialised geriatric care should be considered starting at age 75.

An ageing XXXX population: The Auckland experience.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['deaths'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['trauma'] @entity580 :: ('MESH:D003428', 'Disease') :: ['Auckland City Hospital', 'ACH']
@entity130 :: (MESH:D014947,Disease) :: ['trauma']
