Overview
- The study defines polymedication as daily use of five or more distinct drugs for at least six months within the same year.
- Prevalence rises with age, reaching about 37% among those 75–84 and roughly 45% for ages 85–94.
- The most common drug classes in this population are antiulcer agents (used by over 70%), antihypertensives (55–70%), and lipid‑lowering statins.
- Polymedicated older people show far higher rates of chronic illness, with heart failure about seven times more frequent, ischemic heart disease nearly five times, and diabetes three times.
- Women 65+ have higher polymedication rates than men (31% versus 28%), with women more often using bone, thyroid, mental health, and chronic pain treatments while men more often take urological, cardiovascular, and antidiabetic drugs.