According to the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine, 15% of visitors to emergency centers are seniors aged 65 and older, and among them, 36.5% face serious emergencies that necessitate hospitalization. The nature of emergency situations in seniors differs considerably from younger individuals, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Due to the ambiguous presentation of symptoms in the elderly, which can rapidly deteriorate, careful observation and prompt decision-making by family members can be life-saving.

One significant feature of emergencies in the elderly is that symptoms often do not match typical presentations. The body undergoes various changes due to aging, such as weakened heart muscles and reduced vascular elasticity. For example, a heart attack in a younger person typically presents as severe chest pain. However, in the elderly, it may manifest as shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, which can easily be misinterpreted as simple indigestion or fatigue. Professor Kim Jun-sung from Asan Medical Center warns that the elderly may miss serious conditions due to these atypical symptoms, which complicates early detection and treatment.

Additionally, cognitive decline with age affects the ability to process information, slows nerve signaling, and dulls the senses required for maintaining balance. This deterioration can result in a reduced perception of pain, making it difficult to recognize and respond to medical emergencies. The respiratory system is similarly affected, with diminished lung elasticity and weakened respiratory muscles leading to difficulties in breathing. The elderly population, therefore, not only experiences an increased frequency of emergencies but also presents with more subtle and ambiguous symptoms, making timely recognition and response crucial.