This White Paper is the product of the Geriatric Emergency Medicine Special Interest Group (GEMSIG) of the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM). It highlights that older people are the fastest growing demographic in most countries; that they access emergency services for many different reasons; and that it is essential to consider their multiple needs when developing emergency care systems. Addressing the needs of the whole person, even at times of acute illness or injury, offers a great opportunity to improve older people’s lives. This paper provides guidance to health care systems by stating general principles and giving practical examples that can be modified across all income and resource settings.
