As we age, one key ingredient for maintaining our health is our ability to play an active role in our medical care. This includes becoming knowledgeable about our health status and medical needs, asking informed questions of healthcare providers, and ensuring that all the healthcare professionals we see are up to date on every aspect of our care. In addition, the pharmacist takes an important position in patient health. The pharmacist coordinates prescribed medications, and can educate about their impact on our health.

The task of managing the medication usage of older adults contains a host of complexities. Older people commonly use multiple medications requiring intricately timed regimens to treat multiple chronic conditions. Some of these medications can interact with others, or with certain foods or herbal treatments. Problems can multiply with daily habits like smoking or drinking. The aging process itself can produce effects, altering the way a drug will act in the body or the way the body will absorb or metabolize a drug. As consumers, older adults face decisions about using over-the-counter medications, obtaining medications for less money, and choosing alternative treatments.

This module meets the challenge in a number of ways:

• Background information
  • Optimal medication use, and types of medication-related problems
  • The implications of medication-related problems for the individual patient and the community
  • Physical changes of the aging body related to medication use
  • Cultural differences, as well as physical, cognitive and social barriers to optimal care


• Practical tools
  • Strategies for older individuals, their caregivers, and members of their community to participate in maintaining the health of the older person
  • Tips on: how to access resources in your community, how to choose presenters, how to publicize and coordinate your event, and how to evaluate its success
  • Examples of many types of medication programs nationwide
  • Curriculum materials for your presenter, along with handouts and resource lists

To enhance the quality of life in our later years, it is vital to learn more about the complex organism that is our body, and learn to give it the best care we can. Managing our medication therapy is an important part of this care.

This module was developed by Dianne Tobias, PharmD, CGP; and the ASA project staff.