The proportion of elderly people is growing steadily in Western societies as a consequence of increased life expectancy and reduced birth rates. Americans aged 80 years and older constituted 3.3% of the population in 2000; this is projected to increase to 7.7% in 2050 and 8.2% by 2070. In comparison, Americans 65–79 years of age constituted 9.3% of the population in 2000 and are projected to increase to 12.5% by 2050 and 12.9% by 2070 [1]. This phenomenon has generated numerous studies aimed at clarifying the physiologic and pathologic aspects of aging. Thyroid dysfunction can have profound clinical implications for elderly patients. Thyroid nodules are common, and the incidence of thyroid cancer increases with age.