It is undeniable that drugs do save lives, but few prescription
medications are completely free of risks or side effects.
Naturally, the more drugs that are taken at the same time, the
greater the risk of adverse interactions and potentially
devastating side effects. People 65 and older are the largest
consumers of prescription and nonprescription medications in
America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
notes that although the 65-and-over age group makes up only 15
percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly one-
third of drug prescriptions. And drug use by the elderly is
expensive. According to Medicare, each senior currently averages
28.5 new prescriptions and refills per year at a cost of $42.30
per drug. As we get older, our use of medicines will often
increase as we treat ailments that often occur as a result of
aging. Medicines are taken to ease, control or cure ailments.
They are effective and safe if used correctly. However, elderly
people can be at increased risk from m