PRIMARY PREVENTION IN THE ELDERLY

Introduction/Objective The average life expectancy in Portugal was increased by three years between 2002 and 2012. The associated longevity requires a paradigm shift regarding prevention. The elderly are at an increased risk of disease that can limit their functional status. However, they may also be targeted for preventive measures, including vaccination, promotion of physical exercise and evaluation of the risk of falling. The work aims to review the Primary Prevention in the Elderly. Methods Research review articles in the CochraneLibrary databases, UpToDate, DynaMed, PubMed, Medline, ClinicalKey and in the Portuguese General Health bureau guidelines, published in the last 10 years, in English and in Portuguese, by using the MESH terms "screening elderly" and "primary prevention". Results Vaccination is not restricted to paediatrics or limited to tetanus and flu vaccination. Because of immunosuppression, vaccination in the elderly can have a significant role, namely anti-pneumococcal and herpes zoster. Physical exercise has shown global benefits, if adequate to the functional status of each elderly. Moreover, the risk of falling should be periodically assessed by validated scales. Conclusions By prolonging life expectancy, the age conventionally called "Elderly" increases, also expanding the range of included conditions. The evidence that supports the establishment of appropriate performance standards to such a diverse population is scant. Overall, there must be taken into account inherent benefits and risks for each preventive action. One of the pillars of Family Medicine is precisely prevention (with a role in all age groups) which must be adapted in a sustainable and systematic way to each patient.