Seniors popping more pills
Posted Mar 20, 2010 07:14:28 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Advances in medicine have extended our life spans and for many seniors that means taking prescription drugs.
A recent Canadian Institute for Health Information study finds nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of Canadian seniors aged 65 and older are taking five or more prescription drugs. About six per cent are on 15 medications or more.
Taking the drugs isn’t the problem says the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP). Atlantic region president Bill Van Gorder says the problem is educating seniors about prescription drug use.
“There are many different services and professionals who will help them now, pharmacists, nurses, others. But they have to ask and they have to be aware there can be a problem with taking too many drugs or drugs which counteract each other,” Van Gorder tells News 95.7.
He recommends seniors consult with a qualified professional such as a pharmacist about their prescription drug use, at least once a year.
