Concept of Polypharmacy, its Causes, Consequences, and Strategies to Help Older Adults to Manage their Medications

The aging population is growing, and with it comes a surge in health concerns and medical treatments. As a result, older adults often find themselves managing multiple chronic conditions and taking numerous medications. This practice, known as polypharmacy, can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, typically involving five or more, by a single patient. It often arises from the necessity to manage a variety of health conditions that become more prevalent with age, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. While each medication may be essential for treating a specific ailment, the interaction between them can result in a complex and potentially harmful medication regimen. As individuals age, they are more likely to develop several chronic health issues, necessitating multiple medications to manage these conditions effectively.