Anesthesia for the elderly: Effects of aging on perioperative and postoperative care

Over time, progressive changes in organs and tissues can lead to deterioration of physiological and mental functions, increasing the risk of disease and making older people more vulnerable. Deterioration of physiological function in the elderly may affect more than one system in the human body. Understanding these changes can reduce complications in elderly patients undergoing surgery. Medical condition, existing diseases, physiological reserves, and cognitive state should be carefully assessed before surgery. Frailty and reduced functional status in elderly patients may lead to an increased risk of postoperative complications. Changes in the physiological function of the human body over time alter the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of anesthetics and therefore anesthetics should be used with caution. Elderly patients often have problems in the postoperative period because of their decreased cardiac and pulmonary capacities and systemic diseases that predispose them to complications. It will be beneficial for the patient to prioritize certain points while planning postoperative care.