Elderly trauma: they are different.

The elderly currently represent 11 per cent of the Australian population. By the year 2051 it has been estimated that 24 per cent of the population will be older than 65 years. One of the hazards facing the elderly is the risk of trauma. With this in mind, this paper has two major aims: one is to review the incidence and outcome of elderly trauma and the other is to identify pertinent points when assessing and managing the elderly trauma patient. Background information for this paper was obtained from the Australia Bureau of Statistics, Roads and Traffic Authority and Injury Surveillance Unit. A comprehensive literature review was then undertaken using the Medline and CINAHL databases.