Safe Use of Medications Key to Better Health

As you age, you may face more health conditions that you must regularly treat. Medicines are used to treat diseases and manage health conditions. There are steps you should take to protect yourself and older family members.

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Safe Use of Medications Key to Better Health
2 Min Read June 3rd, 2017 Updated:July 26th, 2022

These days, with the COVID-19 scare, fewer people are headed to the drug store and opting instead for mail orders. Yet, many people still feel safer with the local pharmacist. 

If you go to the pharmacy, you probably notice many older people waiting in line. This hasn't changed much over the decades. Older people face more chronic health problems and take many prescription medications to address these health issues. After we reach 50, we start getting diagnosed with chronic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. The health problems seem to pile on as we get into our retirement years. The more conditions, the more likely we may have drugs to treat those conditions.

Prescription drug use increases with age. Three-quarters of those age 50 to 64 use prescription drugs, compared to 91 percent of those age 80 and older.

Medications Can Improve Quality of Life

Medicines are used to treat diseases, manage conditions, and relieve symptoms. Medicines are generally safe when used as prescribed. Properly using these medications can provide us with a better quality of health; however, if we don't take medications as prescribed or mix them with some over-the-counter medications or supplements, it can have a detrimental impact on our health.

Sometimes a medication may become less effective because of years of use. Doctors may add additional meds to address the problem. Older people are more susceptible to side effects. Body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions.  

The more you know about your medicines and the more you talk with your health care professionals, the easier it is to avoid drug interactions. For older family members, it is imperative that a family member or caregiver review the medications used and if the drugs are being taken properly.

Ask Questions

The National Institute on Aging suggests several questions to ask about prescription medications that you should ask for yourself or a loved one:

  • What is the name of the medicine, and why was it prescribed?

  • What medical condition does this medicine treat?

  • How many times a day should the medication be taken? At what time(s)? If the bottle says take "4 times a day," does that mean 4 times in 24 hours or 4 times during the daytime?

  • Should the drug be taken with food or not? Are there foods or beverages that should be avoided? 

  • How long will it take this medicine to work?

  • Will other medications being taken cause an adverse interaction?

  • Is it safe to drive while taking the medication?

  • What does "as needed" mean?

  • What should be done if a dose is forgotten?

  • What type of side effects are common?

Keep a List of Drugs and Medical Information

Keep a list of all medications you take (prescribed, nonprescription, herbal supplements, home remedies, and medical foods) and drugs you cannot take due to allergic reactions, and share those with your doctor or pharmacist. Check expiration dates on bottles, especially over-the-counter medications that may be used less frequently. 

The list should include your medical history and medical and family contacts. For older people, this is vital. Older family members should keep one copy in a safe place at home and one in their wallet or pocketbook. A family member should also have a list. 

Having this medical information on hand for paramedics or EMTs is important. Posted on the refrigerator seems a popular option, but there isn't a set location on where to keep this. 

Some medications may cause fall risks or memory loss, especially as we age. 

"Drug-drug interactions happen when two or more medicines react with each other to cause unwanted effects or make either medicine’s effects more or less potent. Such interactions may also be caused by alcohol, nutritional supplements or herbal products, and nonprescription medicines as well as prescription medications."

"Food-drug interactions happen when medicines react with foods or beverages. For example, grapefruit juice should not be taken with certain blood pressure−lowering medications, and dairy products should be avoided with some antibiotics and antifungal medications."

Pfizer

Six Common Medication-Related Problems in Aging Adults

These are common problems that can cause issues, especially in older people. If you are caring for an aging parent or concerned about your own future down the road, review these from Better Health While Aging website.

Several websites can provide you with information on drug interaction. These include:

Remember, drug interactions can make medications less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Read more about what you should know from the FDA - Drug Interactions: What You Should Know | FDA

Are You Prepared for Aging?

Preparing before declining health and aging problems arise is a vital part of retirement planning. Advance planning will improve your lifestyle and reduce stress and anxiety. Getting older has many challenges, and you better manage these challenges by being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging.

Long-term health care is a significant concern both financially and emotionally. The increasing cost of long-term health care services adversely affects your lifestyle and legacy. Without planning, family members may have to become caregivers, a job they are neither trained nor prepared to perform.

When the family can no longer deal with being a caregiver, you will have to use your income and assets and pay for professional care. The financial pressure is hard for everyone. The costs are rising rapidly nationwide, and the pressure will be even greater in the decades to come.

Long-Term Health Care Costs Rising Sharply

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the financial impact where you live - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.

You could need care for years, depending on your overall health. For example, someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia can go on for years.

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance can offer you access to your choice of quality care services, relieving the stress on loved ones and protecting your savings. Quality care is essential, so mistakes won't be made like dispensing medications.

Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Experts suggest seeking the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many available options.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

Long-Term Care Insurance means access to quality care. It also means choice. You get to choose the type of care, including care in your home. LTC Insurance also means income and asset protection. Care costs are exploding nationwide - your guaranteed tax-free benefits will ease the financial stress.

People need long-term health care services due to changing health, aging, and the impact of aging. Dementia is one of many reasons people will need long-term health care sometime in the future.

The consequences of your future aging affect your family and finances. When you own an LTC Insurance policy, you have a solution that gives you control and more independence. However, you cannot wait until you are older and need help. You must plan beforehand. 

Have Questions About Long-Term Care Planning?

You might have questions about long-term health care planning, and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

Find the cost of care where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.

Get Expert Guidance 

Long-term care is very specialized, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies, as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.

A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price. 

Loved Ones Need Help Now?

Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea. 

Advantages of Reverse Mortgages 

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well. 

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

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