Preface

Geriatrics is a topic of great interest in medicine and among the general public. In several countries, the increase in life expectancy has made the elderly the fastestgrowing segment of the population. The numbers of geriatric persons are increasing worldwide, which means there will also be an increase in their health needs as well. The geriatric population experiences significant alterations of numerous organ systems as a result of the aging process. They also have several co-morbidities including hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and renal dysfunction, to name a few.

The geriatric population is quickly growing and living longer, and thus surgical demand for both elective and emergent cases is estimated to increase significantly. Caring for geriatric patients is complicated, requiring a balance between physiological and psychological alterations. Geriatric patients are vulnerable and especially sensitive to the stress of trauma, surgery, and anesthesia.

Written by experts in the field, this book presents practical knowledge of geriatrics from multiple points of view. I would like to thank these experts for their contributions. I am also grateful to IntechOpen and Mr. Mateo Pulko for their help in publishing this book.

> **Somchai Amornyotin MD, FRCAT** Professor,

> Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
