Nearly half a million people in San Diego County are over the age of 65 and that number is expected to double in the next decade.
Doctors with Sharp Memorial Hospital say seniors today are living more active lifestyles than their predecessors, putting them at increased risk for injury. That's why Sharp Memorial has developed a new geriatric trauma program specifically tailored to meet the needs of older patients.
"We recognized that in our trauma program we were seeing more and more geriatric patients who were very active people prior to their injury patterns," said Dr. Diane Wintz, director of trauma at Sharp Memorial Hospital. "If we're all lucky enough, we will get into that age group at some point in our lifetime and we want the care to be such that we know that we can maintain independence at as long as possible."
RELATED: Study: San Diego Senior Centers Unprepared For Over 65 Population Surge
Wintz speaks with KPBS Evening Edition anchor Ebone Monet about the need for specialized care for seniors.
