Treatment of Critical Illness in the Elderly

...Decisions to use expensive and potentially hazardous technology at all ages should be made on the best evidence available about expected benefits and burdens, and about the patient's preferences, expressed now or previously or on his behalf. Advanced age is a legitimate criterion to consider when making such a judgment, but doctors should ensure that they do not deny potentially beneficial treatment because of arbitrary age criteria. But neither should they routinely recommend treatment for elderly patients to avoid the trouble of defending a compassionate and sensible decision not to treat.