Dubin S
Orthop Nurs. 1992 May-Jun;11(3):45-50. doi: 10.1097/00006416-199205000-00008.
It is estimated that by the year 2030, 21.2% of the United States population will be 65 years of age or older. The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population and use health care services extensively. Today 30% of all hospitalized individuals are elderly. The professional nurse must therefore be able to assess and assist elderly persons during the course of hospitalization. An important component of assessment is the ability to differentiate the normal physiologic changes of aging from the pathologic changes. To effectively intervene in a therapeutic plan of care the nursing professional must be aware of the limitations brought on by aging.
据估计，到2030年，美国21.2%的人口将年满65岁及以上。老年人是人口增长最快的群体，并且广泛使用医疗保健服务。如今，所有住院患者中有30%是老年人。因此，专业护士必须能够在住院期间对老年人进行评估并提供帮助。评估的一个重要组成部分是能够区分衰老的正常生理变化和病理变化。为了有效地干预护理治疗计划，护理专业人员必须了解衰老带来的局限性。
