As our patients' age progresses, so should our definition of 'recovery'. In this episode of BackTable OBGYN, Dr. Mary Ackenbom, associate professor of urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery at the University of Michigan, is welcomed by host Dr. Amy Park to discuss improving outcomes for older surgical patients.---SYNPOSISDr. Ackenbom shares her journey from studying finance at Ohio State to ultimately specializing in urogynecology. The conversation mainly focuses on perioperative cognitive health, particularly in aging populations, and how conditions like frailty and comorbidities impact surgical risk and recovery. Dr. Ackenbom highlights the importance of individualized patient care, early mobility, enhanced recovery protocols, and prehabilitation in improving postoperative outcomes. The episode also explores the prevalence of postoperative cognitive decline and offers practical insights on counseling and managing older patients undergoing urogynecologic surgery.---TIMESTAMPS---RESOURCESIncidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgeryhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32827107/ ACS NSQIP/AGS Optimal Perioperative Care of the Geriatric Patienthttps://www.facs.org/media/y5efmgox/acs-nsqip-geriatric-2016-guidelines.pdf