Prevalence of Medication Use Among Older Adults
Prescription medication use is widespread among older adults. Data from the CDC indicates that in 2021–2022, 88.6% of adults aged 65 and older reported using at least one prescription medication in the previous 12 months. This trend has remained relatively stable over several years. However, the number of medications taken per person, known as polypharmacy, is increasing.
Medication use varies within the older population. For example, in 2021–2022, 86.9% of adults aged 65–74 used prescription medication, compared to 91.3% of those aged 75–84 and 91.2% of those 85 and older. This increase with age is linked to a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which often require multiple medications for long-term management.
Polypharmacy: A Growing Concern
Polypharmacy, defined as taking five or more medications, presents significant health risks for seniors, including increased drug interactions, falls, and cognitive impairment. Analysis of data from 2017–2020 showed that over 40% of adults aged 65 and older used five or more prescription medications. This represents a substantial increase compared to rates from 1999–2000.
Reasons for Increased Polypharmacy
- Multiple Chronic Conditions: Many seniors manage several co-existing health issues.
- Multiple Prescribers: Seeing various specialists can lead to uncoordinated prescribing.
- Over-the-Counter Use: Non-disclosure of OTC drugs and supplements can lead to interactions.
- Pharmacokinetic Changes: Age-related changes affect how the body processes medications.
Comparison of Medication Use by Age and Number of Medications
A 2019 CDC data brief comparing U.S. and Canadian adults aged 40–59 and 60–79 highlights the increase in medication use with age.
| Age Group | Used at least 1 prescription drug (Past 30 days) | Used 5 or more prescription drugs (Past 30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| US Adults 40–59 | 59.5% | 14.5% |
| US Adults 60–79 | 83.6% | 34.5% |
| Canada Adults 40–59 | 53.3% | 10.4% |
| Canada Adults 60–79 | 83.3% | 30.9% |
The table demonstrates that both overall medication use and polypharmacy rates are considerably higher in the older age group, emphasizing the need for careful medication management in seniors.
Most Commonly Prescribed Medications
Commonly prescribed medications for older adults often treat age-related conditions:
- Cardiovascular Agents: Medications for blood pressure and cholesterol, such as beta-blockers and statins, are very common. Lipid-lowering drugs were the most used type for U.S. adults aged 60–79 in 2019.
- Antidiabetic Agents: These are widely used given the high prevalence of diabetes in older adults.
- Analgesics: Pain relievers are frequently used, but older adults are more prone to adverse effects.
- Psychotherapeutic Agents: Antidepressants and anxiolytics are also commonly prescribed.
The Financial and Health Burdens of High Medication Use
Managing multiple medications can be challenging. The cost can be a significant financial burden for seniors, potentially leading to non-adherence, where individuals skip doses or delay refills. This can negatively impact health and increase healthcare costs. The complexity of multiple prescriptions can also increase the risk of medication errors, drug interactions, and adverse events due to age-related physiological changes. Regular medication reviews and clear communication with healthcare providers are vital.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a high percentage of 65-year-olds take medication, with nearly 90% in the U.S. using at least one prescription drug in 2021–2022. This rate, along with the prevalence of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications), increases with age, largely due to the rise in chronic conditions. While medications improve health, they also pose risks related to interactions, adverse effects, and cost, highlighting the importance of effective medication management in geriatric care. More information is available from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.
