LAUSR

Those of us who are involved in providing clinical services to older people, are in need of a clear definition of the term “aging” in order to provide better care. Biological or demographic definitions of aging do not, as a rule, take into account the every-day, patient-oriented aspect of aging, and are inadequate in reflecting the true nature of the patients’ needs. When our aim is to work toward achieving better health in an older person, we need to take into account not only clinical, pharmacological or psychological issues, but we need to consider each patient as an individual, functioning in his/her own specific environment. In addition, all other aspects of health must be considered in a holistic manner, including sexuality, digestion, circulation, cognition, physical power, social matters etc. Therefore, in my view, a step in the right direction, which may help health practitioners work toward improved health for an older person is to define aging as “Time-related Dysfunction.”