1. For the surgical client, a nurse's knowledge of the older adult's specialized needs can reduce operative risk and increase the quality of care provided throughout the operative course. 2. Physical changes resulting from the aging process affect every system in the body. These age-related changes have important implications for the elderly surgical clients and their caregivers. 3. Due to the variety of sensory perceptual changes that occur with aging, such as loss of hearing and vision, preoperative teaching and discharge planning methods may require modification.