Ethical issues in the elderly ESRD patient.

The fastest growing population group in the United States is the over 65 years old group. In 1985, 59% of all new patients to chronic dialysis were age 55 years or older. Quality of life has been a health care issue in the past and is more so now with decreasing health care resources. The rationing of health care resources has become an increasingly important issue in determining and defining the quality of life, especially for the chronically ill elderly. This article does not support either dialysis treatment or no dialysis treatment for the elderly, but assists readers to consider the implications to the health care system and the limited health care resources that are present. This bioethical dilemma will be with the health care system for years to come.