[Functional disability in the elderly: epidemiologic aspects].

The improvements in life expectancy have resulted in an increasing number of people at older ages with specific medical problems. The "epidemiologic transition" from acute to chronic diseases makes it imperative to change the focus from the treatment of different acute diseases to a broader approach. As a greater proportion of the population survives to very old ages, the public health impact of the burden of disease and disability and related utilization of medical care and need for supportive and long-term care has become an important concern. This requires a specific approach emphasizing the functional well-being of older persons. Recent studies have shown that age and frailty are no synonyms and even a greater proportion of the oldest old have a potential for improving. Therefore, it is necessary to address this perspective in the medical care of elderly people.