Abstract:
Background. Anemia affects a large part of the elderly population and represents a public
health problem expected to increase in the coming years due to the aging population.
Anemia in the elderly is perceived as a minor problem, but it is associated with disability,
worsening of chronic diseases, and death.
Objective(s). Evaluation of anemia types in elderly patients and analysis of its clinical and
paraclinical characteristics with the aim of optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of this
disease.
Materials and methods. The research includes a descriptive and analytical study. A
bibliographic review was performed by retrieving essential data, using full-text articles from
the HINARI, PubMed, BioMed Central databases. Articles about anemia in the elderly, the
consequences of this pathology, diagnostic and treatment methods were analyzed.
Results. Anemia affects 23.9% of the global geriatric population, and the estimated
mortality risk is 49%. The most common causes of this condition include iron deficiency in
14% of cases, chronic inflammation in 33.1% of cases, chronic kidney disease in 19% of
cases, and anemia of unknown etiology in 28.4% of cases. Early diagnosis allows for targeted
interventions and improves prognosis by reducing morbidity, preserving cognitive function,
and maintaining autonomy. International guidelines (WHO, EHA) recommend including
anemia screening in the standard geriatric assessment, thereby promoting integrated and
preventive care.
Conclusion(s). Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of anemia in the elderly are
essential steps that involve thorough patient evaluation and aim not only at prolonging life,
but also at ensuring an active and dignified life until the end - adding not just "years to life",
but also "life to years".
