Nearly 35 Percent of Adults Are Prescribed Inappropriate Drugs, Study Finds

New research from the University of Buffalo has determined that almost 35 percent of older adults are receiving potentially unnecessary prescription drugs, reports Consumer Affairs . According to the researchers' findings, this can lead to higher health care costs and more doctors' visits. "The average age of the U.S. population is rising, and older adults account for a disproportionate amount of prescription medications," researcher Collin Clark commented. "Harm to older adults caused by potentially inappropriate medications is a major public health challenge." The research team evaluated around 220 million responses to the Medical Expenditure Survey to better understand prescription drug trends among seniors. They looked at more than 30 different types of drugs that were prescribed to adults over the age of 65, ranging from antidepressants and antipsychotics to estrogens and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to the researchers, medications are deemed potentially inappropriate if their risks are greater than their potential benefits — a much bigger concern for older consumers, as they're at an increased risk of experiencing severe side effects from medications.