The hospitalized elderly are at an increased risk for poor outcomes such as increased length of stay, readmissions, functional decline, and iatrogenic complications, as compared with other age groups. Research related to the hospitalized elderly has identified factors associated with poor outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare team members may be able to identify elderly patients at risk for poor outcomes and target modifiable factors to minimize their negative impact. Clinical experience and research validate the conclusion that multidimensional, preventive risk factor modification balanced with acute illness treatment can result in positive outcomes for elderly patients.