An elder is an individual 65 years of age and older. In general, increased age is associated with numerous physical and cognitive changes. When an elder is underweight, the underlying cause can be due to a natural change of aging, an underlying disorder, secondary to medical treatment, elder neglect, or self-neglect. In order to accurately classify the cause of the weight loss, forensic pathologists and investigators must examine all aspects of the elder: the pathophysiology of aging, the autopsy and physical findings, past and recent medical history, and the scene and social environment.
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