Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Medication management

People over the age of 65 represent 14 percent of the U.S. population but consume more than one-third of prescription medications. The average senior citizen uses more than five different medications each day. This does not count nonprescription, over-the-counter drugs. As many as 90 percent of seniors also use herbal remedies and vitamins. While there is risk associated with each type of medication — including side effects, allergic reactions or interactions with food, alcohol or other drugs — the risk is magnified with seniors as they are typically more sensitive to these effects.

The follow...