Aging and life quality: an otorhinolaryngological review.

The increase in the number of people over the age of 65 and the current rise in the proportion of old people represents an important change in the demographic patterns in the world. Since some structural and physiological changes generally occur in elderly patients, maintaining function is surely an important goal. The most devastating disabilities affecting elderly patients are those that diminish the capacity to function independently and those that have a serious impact on the quality of life. Otolaryngologists play a major role within the braod field of geriatrics. Our involvement in caring for the elderly requires us to know how to improve their quality of life. This article provides an overview of many problems that arise within our specialties.