The Hidden Drug Epidemic Among Older Adults

People aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year, and those aged 80 to 84 take 18 prescriptions a year, according to the American Association of Consultant Pharmacists. Those figures do not include the over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals older adults may take, which could cause more problems than they cure, reports the New York Times . Among people over 65, 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women take five or more nonprescription and/or prescription drugs a week, and 12 percent take 10 or more. Behind these statistics is a fragmented healthcare system, rushed doctor visits, and direct promotion of drugs to patients, often leaving it up to patients and their caregivers to assure that minimum risk accompanies whatever medications or remedies may be prescribed or taken on their own.