Drugs & aging
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The elderly population is rapidly growing and particularly diverse. Ageing leads to reduced organ function and a decline in physiologic reserve. Elderly patients are characterised by great inter-individual variability in physiological function with a high prevalence of chronic disease. ⋯ The dose of neuromuscular blocking agents should rarely be reduced for intubation, but the duration of action of neuromuscular blocking agents is often prolonged and difficult to predict. Perioperative neuromuscular monitoring is therefore strongly recommended. In the postoperative period, prevention of avoidable morbidity and functional decline is crucial; comprehensive multidisciplinary care and multimodal interventions may facilitate earlier recovery and decrease the risk of complications.