Table of contents 1. Text 6 OF 225. Bioactive products stimulate the healing process. Alginates, hydrocolloids and hydrogels are now known to be bioactive as well as interactive. The response of injured tissue depends not only on the causative agent but also on the general health and age of the injured person, and on environmental factors such as temperature and extent of wound contamination.
Wounds heal quickly in young patients.
However, protein turnover is reduced with age, and this results in a slower rate of healing. Elderly patients often suffer from other complications because of pre-existing malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, poor blood supply, or cancer. Although the elderly account for only about 12 percent of the total population, they contribute about 22 percent of hospitalisations for injury and 24 percent of the total direct costs. The high direct costs reflect long hospital stays and the need for nursing home care. Greatest total lifetime costs due to injury result from motor vehicle injuries and the second largest costs result from falls.