Special needs population: Care of the geriatric patient population in the perioperative setting.

The geriatric population, defined as people 65 years of age and older, undergoing surgical procedures is a vulnerable population. Age, once considered a contraindication for a surgical procedure, is no longer a constraint for individuals requiring surgical intervention. However, older adult patients are at increased risk for developing a variety of complications. This article reviews age-related physiological changes and discusses the special needs of the geriatric population across the perioperative continuum of care.