ABSTRACT
This chapter shows three common approaches in epidemiology studies. Case-control observational studies compare groups of patients with a disease/condition with those without the disease/condition. Cohort studies compare groups of people exposed to a particular risk factor with those who have not been exposed to this risk factor, with the aim of establishing the cause of disease.Randomised controlled studies look at a treatment and compare those who have received treatment with those who received a placebo or another treatment to examine the treatment's effectiveness. Although the epidemiology of old age can involve any area related to geriatrics, there are three main areas of focus: life expectancy and its demographics, disability, and the natural history of diseases common to old age. The chapter looks at ageing in the United Kingdom, considering population projections, life expectancy, common causes of disability and mortality in older people.
