ABSTRACT
Approximately one-fifth of the population in England is over 60 years of age. This group receives 52 per cent of all prescriptions and often take a variety of drugs for several conditions. Of those aged over 75 years, 36 per cent are taking four or more drugs (polypharmacy). As a person grows older, it is almost inevitable that drug treatment will
be needed. A part of the ageing process will mean that physiological changes will occur that will affect how the elderly person handles and responds to drugs. They may also increase the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions.
