Comprehensive geriatric assessment: making the most of the aging years.

The elderly population is the most rapidly growing segment of our population. This group utilizes the highest proportion of medical care of any age group. Comprehensive geriatric assessment involves the evaluation of the physical, psychosocial and environmental factors that impact on the well-being of older individuals. The use of an organized approach with objective measurements helps target key areas of functional status. Important areas include the evaluation of activities of daily living, cognition, mood, social supports, gait and falls, nutrition, sensory impairments, incontinence, polypharmacy, elder abuse, pressure sores, pain, and advance directives. The provision of primary and secondary prevention is also increasingly important for older individuals. The components of a successful geriatric assessment program are outlined, with suggestions to improve compliance.