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

This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time. We present a systematic international literature review of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time. 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. 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.