Anemia in the elderly has been properly defined as the silent epidemic, representing 3 million people in the United States aged 65 years and older. Incidence and prevalence of this condition increase with age. It differs in its etiology, pathogenesis and treatment from anemia in children and younger adults. Anemia is associated with reduced survival, increased risk of functional dependence and hospitalization, increased risk of congestive heart failure and stage renal disease and cognitive disorders. Approximately 70% of anemia in older individuals is reversible.

Anemia in the elderly has been properly defined as the silent epidemic, representing 3 million people in the United States aged 65 years and older. Incidence and prevalence of this condition increase with age. It differs in its etiology, pathogenesis and treatment from anemia in children and younger adults. Anemia is associated with reduced survival, increased risk of functional dependence and hospitalization, increased risk of congestive heart failure and stage renal disease and cognitive disorders. Approximately 70% of anemia in older individuals is reversible.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, Guest Edited by William B. Ershler, MD of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Aging and Geriatric Medicine, is devoted to Anemia in the Older Adult. Articles in this important issue include: Aging and Hematopoiesis; Prevalence of Anemia in Older Populations; Functional Consequences of Anemia in Older Patients; Mechanisms of Anemia in Older Populations; Unexplained Anemia in Older Populations; Significance of Elevated RDW in Older Populations; Iron Deficiency; Vitamin B12; Myelodysplasia; Chronic Kidney Disease and Anemia in Older Populations; Inflammation, Aging and Anemia; Emergence of Sickle Cell Disease in Older Populations; Heyde's Syndrome; and Special Considerations for Anemia in the Nursing Home.