Primary care in the management of chronic diseases in older adults
Keywords:
ADULTO MAYOR; ATENCIÓN PRIMARIA; ENFERMEDADES NO TRANSMISIBLES; ENVEJECIMIENTO; AGED; PRIMÁRIA AMBIENTAL; NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES; AGING.Abstract
Introduction: chronic non-communicable diseases represent a central challenge in primary care for older adults due to their high prevalence and complexity. This level of care is fundamental because it allows for a comprehensive, continuous, sustained, and preventive approach.
Objective: to describe the available evidence on the prevention and control of chronic diseases in older adults in primary care.
Methods: a literature review was conducted between September and December 2025. Open-access, peer-reviewed original articles, systematic reviews and technical documents from international organizations were consulted, retrieved from the SciELO, PubMed, Dialnet and Scopus databases. AND and OR were used as Boolean operators.
Development: chronic non-communicable diseases in older adults pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems. These conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, affect quality of life and require appropriate management. Primary healthcare is decisive in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Through a comprehensive approach, risk factors can be identified and personalized interventions offered.
Conclusions: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory tract diseases are highly prevalent chronic conditions in older adults. The main risk factors include unhealthy habits, poor diet, overweight, and physical inactivity. For this reason, education is an essential element of primary care for managing and controlling these conditions.
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