multimorbidity

Multimorbidity is a common condition among elderly subjects, affecting mostly the very old, and leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and increased health care utilization. Data available on gender differences in the pattern of co- occurrence of chronic disorders suggest a different distribution and combination of chronic diseases among men and women, which can affect prognosis and care needs. Gender differences should thus be considered when investigating risk factors, pathogenetic mechanisms, and natural history of multimorbidity for better planning of health care models and care organization.