10 Things You Should Know Relating
to Getting Older and Prescription Medications

As we get older many of us are faced with more health conditions that require treatment with medications. Although they can offer great benefits there are additional risks associated with taking medications. Here are some things to be aware of when taking prescription drugs.

1. A study conducted in Massachusetts in the 1980 concluded that older adults are at greater risk from poisoning than younger age groups. One of the reasons cited was that failing eyesight and memory may be responsible for medication errors.

2. As you get older your body changes which can affect the way medicines are absorbed and used. Because of this you run a greater risk of adverse drug interaction. This means that some medicines can interact with other medicines, foods, drinks or health conditions. Always let your doctor know of any side effects you experience.

3. Evidence suggests that there are an advancing number of elderly people are addicted to medically prescribed drugs. This is caused when they make mistakes while reading the instructions on their medication bottle, mix medications, forgetting to take medicines, or have an inhibition to ask for assistance. This often goes unnoticed by physicians and by family members.

4. Undertake an annual 'brown paper checkup' which involves putting all of your medications and over-the-counter products in a bag and taking them to your doctor's office. This gives them an opportunity to review for adverse interactions, duplications or wrong dosages. You should include all of your drugs both prescription and over-the counter, as well as any vitamins, supplements, herbs and creams or ointments that you use.

5. As we get older and head into middle age many of us may notice that our reading eyesight is not as good as it once was. This for many of us means that reading glasses become a necessary part of our lives. However glasses are not the only option . There is are medical procedure including conductive keratoplasty which can correct the problem. It takes just a couple of minutes and works by reshaping the cornea. There are no scalpels or lasers involved.

6. Keep the list of your medications in your wallet or pocketbook. Inform a family member that you have a list. This means that you can access the list at any opportunity especially in the case of an emergency. Often elderly people are unable to inform hospital staff of the medications they are taking. The FDA has a site where you can keep a list of your medications.

7. Medication schedules, prescription label magnifiers, pill boxes, and color coded medication bottles all help elderly people to safely and effectively take their prescription drugs.

8. Review your medications on a yearly basis. Go through your cabinet and look for old or expired medications. At the same time undertake a 'brown bag checkup' and take all your existing medications and vitamins, and supplements etc., in a bag to your doctor or pharmacist so they can review them.

9. Be aware of how medications can affect the way you drive? Driving involves a series of complex skills. Your ability to drive safely can be affected by changes in your physical, emotional and mental condition. When you are taking medicines, talk to your healthcare professional about how each may affect your ability to drive safely.

10. Always let your doctor, caretaker or family member know if you have trouble telling your medicines apart. They can help you find better ways to read and recognize your medicines. Also tell your doctor if you have problems remembering when to take your medicines or how much to take.