Ethics Capacity A patient with capacity is intellectually able to make a decision for themselves Capacity and competency are equivalent terms, but the UK Mental Capacity Act has increased the…

Infection and Immunity The ageing immune system The immune system ages in a complex manner: Some activities increase (eg production of memory T lymphocytes, IgA, and autoantibodies) Other activities diminish…

Finances Making a will Everyone over 18 should make a will. This need not be complicated—there are cheap will writing ‘kits’ available to buy, and forms can be downloaded from…

Skin The ageing skin Skin changes with age are universal, but many changes we associate with ageing are actually due to cumulative sun exposure (photoageing), and could be largely prevented…

Ears Deafness and the ageing ear Deafness is a common, debilitating complaint that increases with age. 6% of adults, 33% of retired people and 80% of octogenarians in the UK…

Death and Dying Breaking bad news Geriatricians frequently break bad news. No matter how old and frail the patient, the news can always come as a devastating blow. Equally, news…

Malignancy Malignancy in older people Cancer is a disease of the elderly population, being relatively rare in people under 35 years of age, and increasing in incidence with each decade….

Genitourinary Medicine The ageing genitourinary system Changes in women Oestrogen levels fall following menopause (usually around age 50) leading to vaginal epithelium atrophy, decreased vaginal lubrication, and acidification and greater…