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Is it safe for an 85 year old to have surgery? Weighing the Risks and Benefits

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of all surgeries in U.S. hospitals are performed on people aged 65 or older. While age is a significant factor in surgical outcomes, the question, "Is it safe for an 85 year old to have surgery?" requires a nuanced evaluation, focusing more on a patient's overall health and functional status than their chronological age.