Americans are using more drugs than ever before, and they’re taking them for longer periods of time.
In the United States, three-quarters of 50- to 64-year-olds use prescription drugs, and the average number of prescriptions filled increases with age. This trend is concerning, as taking five or more medications for more than a third of the rest of one’s life is not sustainable.
A new study has found that the use of prescription drugs has increased significantly across all age groups in the United States in the past three decades. The study, which was conducted by a sociologist at Pennsylvania State University, also found that Americans are now taking prescription drugs for longer periods of time than ever before.
The findings reveal a steep increase in prescription drug use among both sexes, nearly every age group, and all considered races, but especially among older, White women. “The share of Americans’ lives spent simultaneously taking large numbers of drugs is substantial and expanded dramatically over time.
Usage is especially high among adults aged 50 to 64, with three-quarters taking prescription drugs.
The average number of prescriptions filled also increases with age, from 13 for those age 50 to 64 to 22 for those age 80 and older.
One of the most concerning findings of the study is that three-quarters of 50-year-olds now take prescription drugs. This is a significant increase from the past, and it is likely due to a number of factors, including the aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing number of prescription drugs available on the market.
Another concerning finding of the study is that Americans are now more likely to be taking five or more prescription drugs at the same time. This is especially true among adults aged 60 and older.
The study’s authors warn that the high and growing use of prescription drugs could have a number of negative consequences, including increased side effects, drug interactions, and medication overuse. They also call for more research to understand the factors that are driving the increase in prescription drug use and to develop strategies to reduce unnecessary prescribing.
Great Chyren Welfare Council recommends that State medical authorities of United States may implement Dr. Swatantra Jain’s Health Planning Services of medicine free living in any of their selected areas for 3 months and if found suitable with positive results, may implement this in other areas so as to get increase in their citizen’s work capacity, ground efficiency and family happiness.
This is a proposal to implement a three-month trial of Dr. Swatantra Jain’s Health Planning Services of medicine free living in selected areas of the United States. If the trial is found to be successful, the program could be implemented in other areas to improve the health and well-being of citizens.
Summary:
- Americans are taking more prescription drugs than ever before, and for longer periods of time.
- Three-quarters of 50-year-olds now take prescription drugs.
- Americans are now more likely to be taking five or more prescription drugs at the same time.
- The high and growing use of prescription drugs could have a number of negative consequences.
- Great Chyren Welfare Council proposes a three-month trial of Dr. Swatantra Jain’s Health Planning Services of medicine free living in selected areas of the United States.
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