What percentage of hospitalized patients over age 65 experience functional decline?

• A. 10%.
• B. 50%.
• C. 30%.
• D. 70%.

Answer: (C)

When older adults are hospitalized, a sizable portion lose some level of independence during the stay or at discharge. About one in three patients aged 65 and older develops functional decline, roughly 30%, meaning new or worsened dependence in basic activities of daily living or in mobility. This risk stems from factors like immobility, delirium, acute illness, pain, and polypharmacy, all of which contribute to deconditioning during a hospital stay. This is why strategies such as early mobilization, delirium prevention, adequate nutrition, effective pain control, and thorough discharge planning are so important.

The other percentages don’t fit the typical overall rate. Ten percent is generally too low to capture the commonly observed impact, while 50% or 70% exceed the typical population-wide estimate, though higher rates can occur in specific high-risk groups.