Morbidity due to heart failure is significant among the elderly, and the mortality rate is higher than that of many cancers. Appropriate, aggressive treatment, especially of systolic dysfunction, reduces functional decline, hospitalization, and mortality rates. Smoking cessation, appropriate use of inhalers and other drugs, and patient education regarding energy-conserving behavioral techniques can decrease exacerbations of COPD leading to hospitalization. Prevention of Frailty Frailty refers to a loss of physiologic reserve that makes a person susceptible to disability from minor stresses. Exercise may reduce the risk of becoming frail for young persons and the risk of further functional loss for functionally impaired elderly persons.
Weight training can aid in increasing bone mass while decreasing the risk of falls and fractures.
The elderly are vulnerable to injury from falls. A falls prevention program should be implemented for persons who are at high risk of a fall or who have already fallen. All elderly persons should be reminded to use lap and shoulder belts and to refrain from driving when under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs. Sensitivity is required when a health care practitioner must recommend cessation of driving because this recommendation threatens autonomy. Smoke detectors should be installed and maintained.