Graphic from Times article
"The Dangers of ‘Polypharmacy,’ the Ever-Mounting Pile of Pills"
By Paula Span, NY Times, April 23, 2016
Although geriatricians and researchers have warned for years about the potential hazards of polypharmacy, usually defined as taking five or more drugs concurrently; it continues to rise in all age groups, and has reached disturbingly high levels among older adults. A recent study showed that 39% of people over age 65 in the U.S. take 5 or more different prescription medications a day (not yo mention other over-the-counter meds and supplements).
This is a concise, lucid and useful article by one of the Times best health reporters. It might pay to read it and remember its warnings.