US Pharm. 2006;10:89.

In 2006, about 77 million American baby boomers--those born from 1946 to 1964--began celebrating birthdays marking their sixth decade. In the United States, with each passing day, another 6,000 people reach age 65. Many seniors are computer savvy, use the Internet, and intend to continue working in retirement; their desire to participate in their own health care is becoming more evident.

While our nation's seniors currently total approximately 38 million, that number is expected to almost double to 75 million by the year 2030. Today, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population is adults older than 85, often referred to as the frail elderly. These individuals totaled 4.24 million in 2000 and are projected to more than double to 9.6 million in 2030. Approximately 90% of these frail seniors continue to reside in their own homes or in assisted-living facilities or have other living arrangements, such as a relative's home, and only about 10% reside in nursing homes. It is clear that the delivery of pharmaceutical care to adults 65 and older, living across a spectrum of settings, is in demand now more than ever.

Compared to young people, senior adults have more chronic diseases and comorbidities, and they are the leading consumers of prescription and OTC medications. On average, adults ages 65 to 69 have 14 prescriptions filled per year, and those ages 80 to 84 have about 18 prescriptions filled per year. Complex and costly medication regimens are typically required to treat multiple chronic conditions that are often further complicated by acute illness. Providing optimal medication therapy in the elderly requires maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. This process can be enhanced when pharmacists advise and counsel cli­ nicians, patients, and caregivers, providing geriatric pharmacotherapy recommendations and education. Participating in their own health care can instill a sense of empowerment in seniors.

Achieving positive clinical outcomes through economically sound pharmacist interventions has been supported by evidence. Just as these interventions are multidimensional, so should be the continuing education and lifelong learning of the pharmacist who is interested in the pharmaceutical care of seniors. Reviewing, expanding, and updating one's knowledge base enables the pharmacist to provide appropriate and necessary guidance to the growing senior population. To this end, the Elder Care Today provides information on a variety of topics, including osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, diverticulitis, and medication-related problems, geared to enhance the pharmacist's understanding of the nuances of senior care practice. Pharmacists interested in helping older patients manage their medications to live better lives must continue on the path of lifelong learning. We're glad you've chosen U.S. Pharmacist to assist you.

 

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