older people’s health issues
Aging and Medications
Introduction
Medications, the most common medical intervention, are an important part of medical care for older people. Without medications, many older people would function less well or die at an earlier age. Up to half of older people do not take drugs as directed by their doctor. Older people are more susceptible to the effects (and side effects) of many drugs. Older people tend to take more drugs than younger people because they are more likely to have more than one chronic medical disorder, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. Most drugs used by older people for chronic disorders are taken for years. Other drugs may be taken for only a short time to treat such problems as infections, some kinds of pain, and constipation. Almost 90% of older adults regularly take at least 1 prescription drug, almost 80% regularly take at least 2 prescription drugs, and 36% regularly take at least 5 different prescription drugs. When over-the-counter and dietary supplements are included, these rates are even higher. Older people who are frail, hospitalized, or in a nursing home take the most drugs. Nursing home residents are prescribed multiple different drugs to take on a regular basis. Older people also take many nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) drugs. Many OTC drugs are potentially hazardous for older people (see Older People ). 