{"id":5736,"date":"2024-01-10T20:35:14","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T20:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/vancouver\/?p=5736"},"modified":"2026-02-23T18:47:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:47:45","slug":"the-dangers-of-over-medication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/vancouver\/blog\/the-dangers-of-over-medication\/","title":{"rendered":"Over Medication: Preventing Vancouver’s Seniors from Danger"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About the Dangers of Over-Medication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over-Medication<\/strong> | For certain individuals, medications are necessary for maintaining their health and cannot be overlooked. However, studies indicate \u2013 and specialists concur \u2013 that numerous individuals are consuming excessive amounts of medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When medications are taken simultaneously, the higher the likelihood of harmful interactions and potentially severe side effects due to the combined impact and combination of drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#DYK<\/strong> – 30 \u2013 40% of people age 65 and over take 5 or more medications regularly. Of that group, about 10 percent of them take 10 or more drugs.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The senior population is facing a growing issue of overmedication and polypharmacy, where individuals are taking multiple medications. This trend is becoming increasingly common and has reached epidemic levels. Chronic conditions, which often require medication, are more prevalent among seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, aging bodies process drugs at a slower rate and may react differently to them, raising concerns about potential drug interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributing Factors to Senior Over-Medication<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rise in polypharmacy can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the growing availability of medications for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, improved diagnoses have also led to an increase in medication use. Marketing strategies targeting consumers may also contribute as patients are influenced by advertising in various forms such as television and magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inadequate coordination among insurers, doctors, and pharmacies is a common issue. Patients visit multiple specialists who fail to communicate with one another about the medications being prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, patients are burdened with keeping track of medications, which can be overwhelming for some senior citizens. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 1 in every 4 patients receive prescriptions from at least four doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, there is a common belief that individuals must maintain a consistent use of chronic disease medications for extended periods or even indefinitely. However, those with slightly elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels may be able to reduce their medication intake if they make necessary lifestyle adjustments to manage their conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, exploring alternative options in these cases is not enough. Research also indicates that a significant number of individuals are prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and pain relievers unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Dangers of Senior Over-Medication<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While drugs do save lives, few prescription medications are completely free of risks or side effects. A 2012 report by Bruyere, a Canadian health services organization, listed several factors that put seniors at increased risk from polypharmacy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n