The Canadian population is aging and issues related to the care of older adults are becoming increasingly common. The practice of general surgery is no stranger to this phenomenon, as older adults are increasingly presenting for surgery. Some 40% of these surgeries occur on a non-elective basis, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality when compared to elective surgery. However, very little research has been done on prognostic factors for poor post-operative outcomes in older adults presenting for non-elective surgery. Thus, the purpose of this research is three-fold. First, to review the literature on prognostic factors for adverse outcomes in this patient population. Second, to examine prognostic factors associated with mortality in this patient population. Lastly, to examine prognostic factors associated with discharge to institution in this patient population.