An example of this would be a pneumonia which, if not aggressively treated, may lead to heart failure, respiratory failure, kidney failure and confusion. Older people are particularly prone to this effect because their bodies do not have the reserve capacity which is present in younger people. The aging process causes an older persons heart, kidneys and vascular system to be compromised. The older person with pneumonia may also have concomitant diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and dementia. The pneumonia will make all these diseases worse.
Older people are often on multiple medications.
It is important to be well-acquainted with their medications, side effects, and interactions with each other. Medications also have to be adjusted for the age of the person. Adverse drug events is a serious problem in older people and can lead to confusion, falls, and subsequent fractures. Preventive care is important at all ages, however, most important in older people. Many of the diseases and problems we see, such as, heart disease, vascular disease, osteoporosis, and fractures are preventable.