The United States population is aging, and the number of people over a
ge 85 is expected to quadruple early in the next century. Advancing ag
e increases the likihood of aquiring a disabling condition. By the nex
t century, every other visit to a health provider will be made by an e
lderly person. Nurse practitioners will see increasing numbers of olde
r patients. They wilt be called on to differentiate normal aging state
s from pathological conditions. A focus on promoting vigorous aging, m
inimizing disabling conditions, and restoring or preserving function a
nd independence will assist the practitioner in appropriate evaluation
and treatment of the elderly. Copyright (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Com
pany.