Sao Paulo Med J 2004; 122(3):79-80. The difference in Brazil’s age structure between 1980 and 2000 is very impressive, as shown in Figure 1. To demonstrate the process of aging that has taken place in this country, the proportion of the population aged over 60 years has increased from 6.1% to 8.6%. In 1980, no Brazilian State had more than 10% of its population in this age stratum. In 2000, the...

BACKGROUND In the ageing population, older people are living longer with chronic diseases. Especially in the last year of life, this can result in an increased need for (complex) end-of-life care. AIM To study potential changes in received end-of-life care and transfers by older people during the last 3 months of life between 2000 and 2010. DESIGN A repeated survey in 2000 and 2010. PARTI...

This study describes sex differences in obesity and body fat distribution using commonly used assessment methods in 140 men and 245 women age 65-96 years from Rancho Bernardo, California. Significant correlations were shown among all obesity measures. The waist/hip ratio was more strongly correlated with the truncal fat/leg fat ratio in women than in men. The waist/hip ratio correlated signific...

BACKGROUND With the rapid aging of the general population, the number of pituitary adenoma (PA) diagnosed in elderly patients is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for PA in patients aged ≥80 years. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients aged ≥80 years who underwent ETSS for PA ...

In a randomized prospective trial of prophylactic antibiotics in at-risk abdominal surgery, one dose of intravenous Augmentin (amoxycillin 250 mg and clavulanic acid 125 mg) on induction has been compared with three 8 hourly doses in 900 patients. Wound infection rates which included minor and delayed infections were very similar in those given one dose: 48/449 (10.7%) compared with those given...

INTRODUCTION Significant improvements in medical care and lifestyle in recent years have resulted in prolongation of life. Among our growing elderly population, aortic stenosis (AS) is becoming an important and increasingly prevalent condition. It is well known to have a poor prognosis once it is symptomatic and moreover is associated with significant morbidity, multiple and prolonged hospital ...

In Western countries, the number of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing, and in rural areas they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old woman living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 11 oldest old women living...