Burns in the Elderly

With the rapid aging of the global population, clinicians treating burn patients must be aware of the unique challenges in this demographic. The physiologic changes of aging increase burn injury risk for elderly patients as well as make their recovery more difficult. Although the principles for resuscitation and wound management in the elderly are similar to those for younger patients, clinicians must understand the complications that are more prevalent in the older group. It is also imperative to consider the quality of life and palliative care needs of aged burn patients and engage with the patient and family about goals of care in order to best direct the therapy. More research is needed, particularly regarding frailty and its effects on burns. Efforts for the primary prevention of burn injury in this population are of utmost importance.