Older adults taking 5 or more prescription drugs face higher risk of death, study finds
Older adults who take five or more prescription medications face a significantly higher risk of death compared to those taking fewer drugs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.The research highlights the growing concern over polypharmacy, the medical term for taking five or more daily prescriptions, and its long-term effects on aging populations.Led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff of the University of Michigan School of Medicine, researchers analyzed national survey data collected from 7,828 adults aged 65 and older between 1999 and 2016.LONGER LIVES, WORSE HEALTH?
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A study found that adults 65 and older who take five or more prescription medicines each day have a higher chance of dying. Researchers looked at data from nearly 8,000 older adults collected between 1999 and 2016. The study was led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff from the University of Michigan and published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Why it matters
Many older people take multiple medicines for different health problems. Knowing the risk can help patients and doctors review prescriptions and avoid unnecessary drugs.
- What is polypharmacy?
- Polypharmacy means taking five or more prescription drugs each day.
- Who led the study?
- Dr. Alexander Chaitoff from the University of Michigan led the research.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets present the study in the same way, focusing on the link between many medicines and higher death risk.
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Older adults taking 5 or more prescription drugs face higher risk of death, study finds
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