The influence of age on neurorehabilitation

This chapter addresses issues related to neurorehabilitation of elderly patients. As society is growing older, the age of patients referred to rehabilitation is also increasing. This is evident in patients with spinal cord injury, which was classically a condition affecting young individuals. The stroke population is typically older. However, the age at the occurrence of stroke is also increasing. There is no clear criterion when a patient is considered old. Defining age exclusively by means of years of one’s life is insufficient. Nowadays, seniors can be healthy, active, and fit. In principle, there is no specific rehabilitation strategy for the aged. However, there are a number of age-related conditions that have to be accounted for during rehabilitation. It is the challenge of the rehabilitation team to uncover and reinforce resources while considering age-related impairments and limitations to return the person to their home, possibly for further rehabilitation, as soon as possible.