Facilitating positive outcomes in older adults with wounds

Aging affects wound healing and wound care in older persons. Biological changes that occur with age can result in delayed healing, increased wound infection, and a greater incidence of dehiscence. Physiologic changes in sensory processes, cognition, and functional status in the older person affect overall wound management. Clinicians need to understand how changes associated with aging impact the older person so they can facilitate optimal wound healing in this large and growing population.