III-defined causes of death in the elderly

Abstract

Over one-half of death certificates from elderly people contain ill-defined causes of death. Usually, signs and symptoms rather than causes of death are registered. Electrolyte imbalance, decubitus ulcer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc are some of the most frequently quoted conditions. Adequate preventive programs are jeopardized by lack of more precise information regarding the cause of death and relevant associated conditions in the elderly.