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For Immediate Release
January 09, 2009

For Further Information:
Jillian Lubarsky
jlubarsky@americangeriatrics.org
(212) 308-1414

With Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgeries on the Rise,
American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging Publishes
Expert Tip Sheet Offering Advice to Help Seniors Decide
Whether Surgery is Right for Them, and How to Ensure the Best Possible Outcome

New York, NY -- Nearly 700,000 older Americans have hip or knee joint replacement surgery every year. And that number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades as the nation's Baby Boomers reach retirement age. To help seniors better understand joint replacement surgery and whether it's right for them, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand tip sheet, "The Older Person's Guide to Joint Replacement."

The tip sheet explains what hip and knee replacement surgery entails, when such surgery may be necessary, and the benefits and potential risks of the procedures. It includes questions older people should ask themselves to get a better sense of whether they might be candidates for the surgery, and offers advice on discussing the matter with their healthcare professionals.

The tip sheet also describes newer, less invasive surgical techniques. And it outlines steps older people should take in preparation for hip or knee replacement surgery. Among other things, it advises older adults to tell their healthcare providers about all medications and supplements they're taking; to try to quit or cut down on smoking before surgery; and to get regular exercise and lose weight if advised to do so by their healthcare provider.

Just as important, the tip sheet offers detailed advice for optimizing and speeding recovery after surgery.

ABOUT THE FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.

ABOUT THE AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a non-profit organization of more than 6,400 healthcare professionals whose shared mission is to improve the health, independence and quality of life of older people. Our vision for the future is that all older adults will have access to quality healthcare that meets their unique needs. To achieve this, the Society focuses on: advancing eldercare research; enhancing clinical practice in eldercare; raising public awareness of the healthcare needs of older people; and advocating for public policy that ensures older adults access to quality, appropriate, cost-effective care. The Society is a pivotal force in shaping practices, policies and perspectives in the field.