Older Americans are being prescribed an alarming number of medications, many of which have lead to addiction and abuse. Learn just how prevalent drug abuse is among seniors and how we can help address the problem and reduce healthcare costs.

1. How Prescription Drugs are Affecting Older Americans
DRUGS in the U.S.
4%
Yet the U.S. is responsible for using
80% of the world's opiods.
Global Consumption
Seniors & Drugs
The United States accounts for 4%
of the global population.
80%
96%
Abuse & Misuse
30
70
336,000+
Drug related hospital
admissions for those 65+ have
gone up 96% over the past 10
years.
Over 336,000 seniors are misusing or
dependent on prescription drugs.
Prescriptions
account for 30%
of seniors'
healthcare costs.
The average senior
fills about 40
prescriptions per year.
Cost $$$
x40
Most Popular Prescription Drugs for Ages 57+

2. 1 out of 10 Medicare patients requires at least 5 different prescription drugs.
These drugs are prescribed to
treat hypertension, insomnia,
chronic pain, and respiratory
problems associated with
smoking.
Most of these diseases are
preventable.
53.2% Cardiovascular
21.9% Opiods
12.9% Sedatives
15.6% Respriatory
Solutions?
Preventative Care VS.
Preventative Care Increase Funding
Reducing reliance on prescription
drugs by engaging in positive
lifestyle changes could decrease
demands on the Medicare system
and improve quality of life.
The more immediate solution is to
increase Medicare prescription drug
coverage to help cover costs although
this would not affect the alarming rate
of drug use and abuse among
seniors.
Preventing chronic disease is the #1 way
to reduce prescription drug abuse among
the elderly and reduce healthcare and
Medicare costs.
TheVerdict