Foreign Media: The Problem of Overmedication Among the Elderly in the United States Is Worsening
A analysis by The Wall Street Journal based on Medicare data shows that among elderly people enrolled in the Medicare prescription drug benefit program, one in six is prescribed eight or more drugs at the same time, highlighting the growing issue of "overmedication" among the elderly.
The report uses 83-year-old Barbara Schmidt as an example. She repeatedly underwent surgery due to frequent falls and multiple fractures. Her family once suspected an underlying illness, but upon reviewing her pharmacy and medical records, it was found that she had been taking more than a dozen different medications at the same time in the past year. These prescription drugs, intended to treat and improve her health, may have instead increased her risk of falling and injury.
The analysis points out that polypharmacy is common among the elderly, which can lead to cumulative adverse reactions, impaired physical function, and increased safety risks, becoming an important health and medication management issue that the U.S. healthcare system needs to address.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852176254597132/
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