The prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly in developed countries and its evolution over time

Summary. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time. Methods: We present a systematic international literature review of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time. Results: The estimated current prevalence of rheumatic diseases among people aged 65 and more varies between 41% and 53%, and is similar to estimated prevalence rates in studies performed before 1990 (35–55%). The prevalence is high and seems to increase rapidly with age. Furthermore, women suffer more frequently from rheumatic diseases than men. Conclusion: The selected studies included a large range of methods, making comparisons difficult. However, estimates of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly appear to be homogeneous in different countries and stable since 1980.