Background: As the impact of an increasing number of elderly who are very large, Indonesia will be experiencing an epidemiological transition. Explosion in the number of elderly increases the prevalence of major degenerative diseases, namely diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke and coronary heart disease. Some other conditions that typically affects geriatric patients aggravate this condition.
Methods: This descriptive study using cross-sectional secondary data sources Basic Health Research Ministry of Health in 2008, combined a systematic review of the results of a descriptive epidemiological study of elderly, degenerative diseases and conditions related complications in geriatric patients Indonesia.
Results: The prevalence of all major degenerative diseases namely diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dislipideia, stroke and coronary heart disease is higher in elderly compared to younger age groups. Some degenerative diseases are risk factors for disease conditions in geriatric patients in Indonesia.
Conclusion: The epidemiological transition is a consequence of an increasing number of elderly people in Indonesia. This condition requires the preparation of the clinicians, epidemiologists and public health, government, and society for the addition of advanced age followed by an increase in the quality of their lives.