Over 65 and Aging- A Presciptive Health Crisis
- 7.15.2009
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By 2010, the US population over 65 will reach an all time high of 39 million (NIMH). With this comes the pains of old age. Higher health care cost, age-related disease, and the psychiatric degeneration of a major portion of the population contribute to a growing crisis.
There are specific factors in the deterioration of an individual and health care costs; exercise, eating habits, fitness, health care, and medication all being major elements of overall well-being.
Adults, 65 an older, are prescribed three times the medication taken by people under 65 reports the US government. There is heightened risk of error due to the number of drugs prescribed. The NIDA cites that prescription mishaps among the elderly are two to three times higher than young adults. These accidents can result in illness,injury and even death.
Health care and drug monitoring among the elderly is a difficult task. Many elderly people seek the care of multiple specialty physicians. Open communication is the key to coordinating prescriptive health. Maintaining a list of medications and bringing it to each medical appointment is recommended by most physicians. Seeking the care of a single pharmacy will also contribute to the protection of an elderly person. A patient's pharmacy profile is an effective way of reducing the risk of interaction and over medication, as drug profiles are monitored constantly.
A systematic approach to taking medicine is suggested. Whether a pill box is used with marked dates and times or professional assistance is sought in prescription organization, a person taking more than a few prescriptions a day should seek help. Keeping a record as medication is taken each day will help identify any errors or interactions as they occur. If the task becomes too daunting, enlist the help of a family member of friend. Do not let pride get in the way of your health.
For more information about prescription care visit http://www.helium.com/items/1131604-marriage-geriatric-medicinegerontology-drug-physiology-critical-determining; http://www.therubins.com/geninfo/eldpresc.htm
There are specific factors in the deterioration of an individual and health care costs; exercise, eating habits, fitness, health care, and medication all being major elements of overall well-being.
Adults, 65 an older, are prescribed three times the medication taken by people under 65 reports the US government. There is heightened risk of error due to the number of drugs prescribed. The NIDA cites that prescription mishaps among the elderly are two to three times higher than young adults. These accidents can result in illness,injury and even death.
Health care and drug monitoring among the elderly is a difficult task. Many elderly people seek the care of multiple specialty physicians. Open communication is the key to coordinating prescriptive health. Maintaining a list of medications and bringing it to each medical appointment is recommended by most physicians. Seeking the care of a single pharmacy will also contribute to the protection of an elderly person. A patient's pharmacy profile is an effective way of reducing the risk of interaction and over medication, as drug profiles are monitored constantly.
A systematic approach to taking medicine is suggested. Whether a pill box is used with marked dates and times or professional assistance is sought in prescription organization, a person taking more than a few prescriptions a day should seek help. Keeping a record as medication is taken each day will help identify any errors or interactions as they occur. If the task becomes too daunting, enlist the help of a family member of friend. Do not let pride get in the way of your health.
For more information about prescription care visit http://www.helium.com/items/1131604-marriage-geriatric-medicinegerontology-drug-physiology-critical-determining; http://www.therubins.com/geninfo/eldpresc.htm
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