Stats on Prescription Drug Use

In the last decade, the average percentage of American citizens who reported taking two or more prescription drugs in the past month increased by 6%, and out of every 10 seniors, 9 recounted having taken at least one prescribed drug in the last month or less. Spending in the United States for prescribed medicine has doubled in ten years to $234.1 billion dollars, and the most commonly prescribed drugs for aging adults include antidepressants and lowering cholesterol pills. Read other important senior related statistics in this post.

Saving Money on Medications the Wrong Way

In an effort to avoid high medication costs, many of us resort to unhealthy ways to save. Some of the most common ways include sharing medications with others who may have a prescription, substituting prescribed medications for herbal supplements, purchasing medications of the Internet, and switching pharmacies regularly.

The problem with these unhealthy ways to save is that it’s never safe to take a medication that has been prescribed for a friend. Herbal supplements have benefits but cannot replace doctor recommended medications. Internet pharmacies can be dodgy as well as negatively impact health through false pills. Switching pharmacies can lower prices but result in miscommunication and potentially inaccurate drug mixing, especially if you receive one drug from a pharmacy and purchase a conflicting one from another.  Another common problem related to medication is simply not staying on top of it, but here are some helpful tips for staying on top of your medication.

Saving Money on Medications in a Healthy and Cost Effective Way

So, how do we avoid spending what feels like millions of dollars of our hard-earned money on prescription medications and still be healthy? We’re here to help with the following four suggestions.

1. Go Generic

Brand name drugs are common, but many pharmacies will offer a generic option. This option has the same active ingredients and side effects as the popular medications but can cost on average four times less or approximately 30% to 80% less than its brand name counterpart.

1. Speak with your Physician

Some healthcare providers are aware of how much a drug they are prescribing may cost, while others are not. To save money, it is recommended to speak with physicians about the current price being paid for a medication and they may be able to prescribe a less expensive, yet equally effecting medication option.

1. Discuss Splitting Pills

Prescription medications that come in pill form often cost the same, regardless of size. This means that prescription drugs with 80 mg of a medication can more often than not cost the same as the 40 mg option. Try discussing splitting pills with the pharmacy tech or the prescribing physician to see if medications may be available for this option. If prescribed a 40mg pill, splitting an 80 mg will result in saved money, make the pills last longer and help patients still receive the required amount of medicine.

1. Explore Patient Assistance Programs

Most companies that manufacture pharmaceutical medications have assistance programs in place to provide discounts to people who may be struggling to afford their prescription drugs. These programs can help save money and are often free to participate in. Through exploring this option, one can save large amounts of money at the pharmacy counter.

Saving Money on Prescription Drugs

We hope the information within this how-to-guide has helped in continuing good health while saving money on prescription drugs. Through assistance programs, proper money saving techniques, and speaking to doctors, you too can save money on the expense of prescribed medications.

Amy Trenton

Statistic Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db42.htm

Participate in Gardening

Gardening can be a fun-filled activity for humans of all ages but for older adults the act of gardening can actually keep an aging mind active. The act of gardening stimulates the senses of sight, touch, smell and even taste, all of which relay back to the brain triggering activeness and even memory recall. Using fingers and hands to dig in the dirt, plant vegetables or even pick the fruits of gardening labor can enhance brain use and improve finger dexterity. Another benefit of gardening is that is allows elder adults to enjoy the outdoors and participate in physical exercise as well as have healthy foods.

Eat Health Foods

Speaking of healthy foods, scientists have found that throughout our lives, and even more so as we become older, our brains need the correct balance of nutrients to operate at optimum levels. Over several studies, researchers have found that fried foods or those high in fat and cholesterol can be attributors to increased risk of having Alzheimer’s. To help the brain remain active, adults need to focus on eating more health foods such as fish, nuts, lean proteins and of course, fruits and vegetables.

Take A Cooking Class

Strangely enough, many experts suggest that to keep an aging mind active, one of the best things to do is take a cooking class. Not only does this suggestion promote healthy eating but it also takes the brain through a series of brain functions, keeping it active. Learning to cook or engaging the mind in a cooking class can help the brain sharpen up cognitive thinking skills as well as activate our five senses, stimulating the brain in a similar way to that of gardening. Even a simple task such as identifying all the ingredients used in a meal can enhance brain use through memory recall.

Compete in Timed Challenges

Many specialists suggest that participating in crossword puzzles can help keep the mind active through the aging process, but while these games and puzzles can be fun and beneficial, psychologists and scientists recommend taking these challenges a step further by timing them. The ability to multi-task and think quickly are some of the first brain functions that deteriorate as we get older, but with timed puzzles and games such as Boggle, senior adults can engage those brain functions and skills to keep them active in the coming years.

Be Socially Active

Depression and stress are both attributed to memory loss in elder adults. However, there is an easy cure to fight these inner demons and that is to be socially active. Being a part of a social group or even participating in a weekly book club or discussion group can reduce stress and ward off depression, therefore helping the brain remain active.  Also, beyond the emotional brain benefits of social involvement, maintaining a conversation can require quick thinking and concentration, both of which exercise the brain and keep it active.

Engage in Reading and Writing

Joining a book club is an excellent social activity and regular reading is considered one of the best activities to maintain a cognitively active brain throughout the aging process. Books can engage the imagination, enhance memory and employ a human’s senses, resulting in dramatic brain activity increases. Researchers recommend that senior adults read content that is intriguing, fun and engaging to them for the best reading experiences and brain results.

In a combination with reading, writing has also been proven to enhance the brain’s functioning power. Aging adults are encouraged to create handwritten notes, letters and stories to help the brain focus on language, memory, critical and quick thinking. However, keep in mind the writing must be done by hand to engage the mind, working on a keyboard doesn’t provide near the benefits to the brain.

Sign Up for a Dance Class

Another great way for older adults to be socially active, get some gentle exercise and get a bit of a brain healthy work out is to take a dance class. Learning and recalling a sequence of dance moves, steps and combinations can stimulate the brain’s motor centers and sedate the body’s stress response, both of which can contribute to better brain functions as we age.

Try Something Different and New

If taking cooking or dances classes weren’t enough reasons to try something new, many scientists have research that suggests adults who are continually intellectually challenged show less chance of having memory loss through the aging process. In conjunction with these studies, researchers have also concluded that older adults who are more open to new ideas and trying new things can delay dementia and enhance cognitive thinking.

Play an Instrument

One new and different activity to try as an older adult is the playing an instrument. Whether senior adults have never played before or played an instrument as children, experts have found that over a time period of four months with playing only an hour a week, aging adults developed improved brain control and skills in memory, hand and finger dexterity, and hearing. By trying something new and taking musical lessons, older adults can maintain an active mind.

Enjoy Regular Exercise

It may seem as though regular exercise is a key part to maintaining good health in every article you read, but that is because it is! Not only is exercise an excellent way to keep the body healthy but it is also known to improve the mind’s core functions. Exercising has been proven in reducing the risk of bodily breakdowns such as diabetes, strokes or heart attacks but it also increases blood flow to the brain and assists in the prevention of memory loss diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Specialists recommend senior adults participate in an active exercise daily, whether it is dancing classes, gardening, or walking.

Amy Trenton

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/13/keeping-the-aging-brain-h_n_1202899.html#s423675&title=Stay_Intellectually_Challenged

http://www.oprah.com/health/Aging-Brain-Facts-Do-You-Get-Smarter-as-You-Age

http://www.care.com/senior-care-9-ways-to-keep-an-aging-brain-smart-p1017-q18792393.html

Staying Happy

Recent studies have found that nearly all happy adults have four key characteristics that keep them in high spirits as they age. These four traits sound simple enough, but it is only through implementation, you can truly start your journey to staying happy as you become older.

Focus on The Good

After working for a lifetime, it can be a difficult transition to retirement life. However, without all the small work details rolling around in your brain, you can truly focus your brainpower to see the good that is all around you. Neglect the negativity of no longer working or of aging- worry and negativity is a waste of time. By focusing on the good, you can live a happy lifestyle, actually become happier and positively impact those closest to you.

Understand Purpose is Privilege

Finding a purpose in old age may seem daunting but it is a privilege. For decades, your purpose may have been to work and provide for a family but now as a retired adult, you have the privilege of finding a purpose and finding joy in your work through exploring new things.

Don’t Sweat The Little Things

Regrets are useless and small errors can easily be overcome. Becoming upset over little things or thinking “I wish…” only takes away from the moments of now. Happy adults often let go of the little things when focusing on the good and are grateful for the positive and remaining moments to come.

Work to Live Good

Personal health is directly related to happiness and those elderly adults with more active lifestyles are known to be happier than those who are not. It can take work to “live good” but through interaction with others, exercise and good lifestyle habits, you can stay happy.

Live Good

The term live good can be interpreted several ways, but many happy adults interpret it to mean having a healthy lifestyle, being connected to others and finding new passions. We’ve created a list of things that many older adults have said help them live good. Which one speaks to you?

• Service- participating in a service project for family members, friends or the community can not only help others, but helps you connect with people while being involved and living good.
• Walking Groups- Many elderly adults are members of walking groups. This helps them stay physically active and is a good time to catch up with friends.
• Take a Class- taking a class at the senior center can help you find a new purpose and passion and maybe even meet new friends with similar interests.
• Surround Yourself- As humans, we are social creatures who thrive for interaction with others and being part of a family or community. Aging adults who surround themselves with family, friends and even a pet, combat loneliness and feel involve- creating a happier lifestyle
• Eat Healthy- Cooking can be an enjoyable experience and eating healthy can prolong life and promote living good.

Age Well

Aging well is the perfect combination of a healthy lifestyle filled with living good and having happy habits. Aging well can also mean being surrounded by those you love and actively finding new things to learn and be passionate about. Old age does not need to be daunting or disheartening; it can be a time of true exploration and happy memories. What have you done in your own life to stay happy, live good, and age well?

Amy Trenton

Work to Prevent Falls

While you may not be experiencing falls now, it is always a good idea to prepare and prevent situations that could cause falls before they happen. This can help maintain independent living longer as well as offer the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

• Keep walking areas cleared of clutter and ensure that areas are always well lit. This also means not having cords, books or other seemingly harmless items out to be tripped over.
• Install handrails or grab bars in areas that may be tricky. This can mean stairways, the bathroom and even ramp/slight inclines inside or outside your home.
• Consider getting a Rescue Alert medical alert system. You may not need it now, but these systems are ideal for helping independent elderly maintain solitary through services that call the proper people should you have fallen and not be able to reach the phone or if there is an intruder.
• Wear sturdy shoes with non-skid bottoms to prevent sliding on kitchen floors or slippery surfaces.
• Use a cane or walker, if needed, for extra stability.
• Place rubber mats in the bathroom or areas where water may cause slippery surface area.

Stay Active

To maintain an independent lifestyle, it is important to stay active. Adults who actively participate in community activities, exercise often and live healthy lifestyles are proven to remain independent as well as live long than those who decide to remain inactive.

• Attend a community center class. This helps you bond with other elderly adults, cultivate a hobby and keeps you active while being independent.
• Walk or swim weekly. Walking is the most common exercise of older Americans but water aerobics or just walking laps in the pool can ease pressure on joints while keeping mobility and keeping senior citizens in the best shape possible.
• Surround yourself with others. Attend family and friend functions and be as active in your personal community as much as possible. It’s proven that elderly adults who encircle themselves with causes and those they love, live independently and longer.

Independent Living

Staying active and preventing falls are the best things you can do for yourself while wishing to remain independent. Hopefully these tips have helped and we’d love to hear your comments on what else you’ve done to continue living independently.

Written by Amy Trenton

Brain Aging

Gender plays a major role in cognitive aging throughout the life of a human. While becoming older is often associated with light memory loss or mental impairment, studies have found that certain factors can cause increased mental aging for each gender. For men, the physical factors of being overweight, having a stroke and being diagnosed as a diabetic each can impair the brain and cause significant and quick mental deterioration.

In women, the factors are less physical and more socially inclined. Poorer health overall or a disability can contribute to lower brain health but other factors include lacking in a strong network of social relationships, being dependant on others and suffering from insomnia. In fact, women who depend on others to perform daily tasks for them have an increased change of dementia 3.5 times more than those who are socially independent.

Depression is a key factor in mental aging in both men and women. In fact, women sufferers of depression are twice as likely to progress mentally from slight aging mental impairment to full on dementia.

No matter your gender, these statistics all show that by improving the areas of life revolving around good social relationships, healthy weight, and mental health, you can slow down the brain aging that occurs over the years.

Life Expectancy

In nearly every country across the globe, it is known that women tend to outlive men by an amount of 3-5 years. In the past, this was thought to be because men lived riskier lives but recent scientific studies have shown that it may actually be due to a hormone produced by women when menstruating. This hormone, called “Estradiol,” is known to increase the cardio actions of the heart and can actually make the heart strong and result in longevity.

Other reasons that men and women may experience a different form of aging through life expectancy is that women are more socially engaged in the sense that they will go to a doctor and receive regular checks ups, whereas men are commonly known to hesitate on scheduling yearly checkups.

Men & Women Aging Differently

Other areas the men and women can age differently are in the categories of sex and emotional health but mental health and hormonal health are truly the key categories in the different ways that men and women age from each other.

Written by Amy Trenton

Hard Facts

Falling is the leading reason of hospital admissions for adults over the age of 65 and is also the main cause of injury-related deaths amongst the elderly. Very year, one third of the American elderly population reports falling within their home or outdoors and in a recent study of adults over the age 45, it was found that contrary to popular belief, most elderly falls take place outdoors. As we age, walking becomes the preferred way of exercise and nearly 50% of all outdoor falls are related to outdoor walking activity. In fact, 73% of outdoor falls were triggered by uneven sidewalk surfaces, curbs, the street and slipping, all of which are obstacles faced when going for daily walks. The study also found that those in good health had high risks for falling outdoors while walking or exercising and those elderly with poorer health had greater risks for indoor falling. With more and more emphasis being put on healthy and active elderly adults, the chances of outdoor falls continue to increase. To remain active and prevent falls, we’ve created a list of things to do while waking outdoors.

Outdoor Fall Prevention

There are several ways to remain active and healthy as we age while still being mindful of potential fall situations.

1. While it may seem like common sense, many adults neglect to use handrails when walking on stairs or getting onto escalators. By using the handrails, it can prevent falls during icy weather conditions as well as summer ones.
2. Walk on grass if sidewalks or roads appear to be slippery or uneven. Grassy areas can provide more traction and solid footing.
3. Look at the floors of buildings and public areas. Polished titles can be slick and uneven concrete can increase the chance of falling. Stay on carpeted or grassy areas when possible.
4. Wear steady and low-heeled shoes for better balance. Walking with shoes that have rubber soles also provide more traction and decrease the opportunity for falling.
5. Walk in groups to point out uneven ground, slippery surfaces or lifted sidewalks. The more pairs of eyes on the lookout, the better. Plus exercising is more fun with friends.
6. Hold hands with others while stepping onto curbs or up steps. This can provide more stability and help prevent an outdoor fall.
7. Take a walker or cane. Walking is good exercise, but safety should be a priority, so if you need a walker or cane for added balance, take it with you.
8. Leave the light on. If you are going for an evening stroll, prevent falling by leaving an outdoor light on so you can see when you return from your walk.
9. Hire or ask someone to help you keep your yard and walkways clear of slipper items such as ice, leaves, trash or even cluttered deck chairs.
10. Install handrails in areas outdoors that you walk often. If you have a prize garden, you can still take care of it by adding handrails for balance.
11. Cover well walked areas such as porches and steps with weather proof and textured paint. This provides more traction and prevents outdoor falls around the home.
12. If you must carry a handbag or purse, keep it hands free by using a fanny pack or an over the shoulder bag. This allows you to catch yourself should you fall.
13. Wear hip pads and protectors while walking to ensure the utmost protection of bones should a fall occur.
14. Check the height of curbs and steps before stepping up or down from them. Curbs with inclines or cut-aways for bikes can be misleading and cause falls and by measuring the distance of the step down you can have better balance.
15. If walking in the evening, walk in well-lit areas to provide the most visibility for hazards.
16. Wear sunglasses and correct eyewear. Reading glasses or bifocals can mislead wearers about potential hazards. Also glare from the sun can hide areas which can lead to falls. By wearing the proper glasses and using sunglass protection you can ensure you reduce the risk of falling and injuring yourself.

Preventing Falls

Outdoor activities can pose a number of threats for falling but by following the 16 tips above, you can still enjoy outdoor leisurely activities such as walking. To read about preventing falls in the home, please feel free to check out our previous blogs and hopefully we have helped you take the proper steps to protect yourself from falling within a home or in the outdoors.

Written by Amy Trenton

1.     Senior Citizens are the Fastest-Growing Demographic on Facebook

One may think that college students are the fastest growing user demographic in the Facebook world, but you may be surprised to find out that it is senior citizens instead. Research studies done by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 53% of Americans who are the ages of 65 or older are online and 34% of those numbers are on Facebook and similar social sites.  Being on these social sites is a way for grandparents to be a part of children and grandchildren’s lives and connect with them beyond family functions and holidays.

2.     Several  Seniors Participate in Fun Events Almost Every Day

Seniors who are members of community centers often have the opportunity to participate in fun activities almost daily. Whether it is engaging in board games, taking yoga classes or hosting a fashion show, the senior population of America is having more fun than almost any other age demographic.

3.     In America, Seniors Use More Internet Than Any One Else

Seniors in America are the fastest growing group of consumers buying new computers and logging time online. In fact, older adults aged 55 years old and older log the most usage online with 33 hours a month spent on sites like Facebook and 7.6 million senior internet surfers.

4.     Seniors are Focusing on Slowing the Aging Process Through Exercise

Many seniors are focusing on slowing the aging process and a study in 1995 found that the death rate of fit men was decreased by 44% compared to unhealthy adults. It is because of several studies like these that exercising with water aerobics, yoga and walking are some of the most popular senior exercises.

5.     Seniors Make More Life Transitions Than Any Other Age Range

Adults in their 50s and 60s experience more significant transitions in life and any other phase of life. This can be an exciting time of experiencing new hobbies, making lifelong friends and defining what life means to them. This also includes becoming more involved in a community of similar aged adults and having fun with exercising, unique activities and hobbies.

6.     Gardening is The #1 Hobby for Adults Over 50

As senior adults gain more free time, they often find joy in new hobbies such as gardening, competing in competitions and traveling. Gardening takes patience and care while yielding great results, making it the number one hobby for adults over the age of 50.

7.     Seniors are the Fastest Growing Tourism Traveler Demographic

Senior tourism is expected to continually increase in the next ten years as more seniors seeing improved health and more time after retirement. Currently through better organization, easy bookings and improved health, more seniors travel the world than ever before. This also could be due to the increased online presence of seniors, making booking and finding new locations to travel much easier than ever before.

8.     Senior Healthcare is Becoming More Well Rounded

Adults over the age of 65 are turning their healthcare focus into something much better rounded. Blending several healthy life aspects together such as fitness, spirituality, meditation, entertainment, travel and clean living, has resulted in a shift to healthier senior adults.

For more information and tops all about how senior citizens can be more independent click here.

Written by Amy Trenton.

1. Sprinklers

Yard work is an excellent way to spend time, and it sure makes a home look wonderful, but if a sprinkler is left on and forgotten, it can mean very high water bills, flooding and possibly days until the sprinkler is turned off. Changing over to an automated sprinkler system prevents this and still allows for proper yard care, just without the worry and stress.

2. Check Deposits

Direct deposit has been available for quite a few years now, but still many seniors do not take advantage of it. Direct deposit can save trips to the bank, gas, mileage and worry. Automate your government checks to go directly into your checking account to ensure it gets there without the stress of planning a trip to the bank or misplacing it.

3. Prescription Refills

Did you know that you can automate your prescription refills? If you have a prescription to be filled monthly, that process can be automated through several pharmacies offering this service. Without prompt, your prescription can be refilled and the pharmacy will then call, email, or even text you that your prescription is ready.

4. Groceries

Going grocery shopping each week can be time consuming and take a lot of memory with lists, planning and weekly changes. To assist with this, there are several companies that provide personal shopping for you. Some programs have online setup and even save previous weeks lists so the whole process is simple and easy. Then, the groceries are delivered to your home, without any stress or forgetfulness.

5. Pet Care

As we age, remembering to care for our pets can become increasingly difficult. To combat this, there are several ways to automate pet care. First, there are bulk water and food feeders that give pets a week’s worth of food with little effort on your part. Just set a weekly reminder to refill, and your pets are fed and watered. Also, if you are no longer able to take your pet for walks or to the groomers, several charity organizations, such as Volunteers of America offer this service for free.

6. Home Cleaning

It can be hard to remember to clean your home weekly, and in some cases, it may be impossible to do this task due to medical reasons. If this is the case, there are several automated home cleaning options available.  Some weekly cleaning services can set up payments through online bill pay, automating the process even further. Just schedule them the day before trash day to ensure the garbage is taken out and you are worry free.

Bonus Tips: It is important as we get older to take precautions with an identification bracelet. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember a phone number or an address, so with an identification bracelet featuring your name, address and a contact phone number on it, you can always be prepared. It may also be time to consider a medical alert bracelet if you have health problems and may be alone when an emergency arises. Check out all of our medical alert bracelets.

Becoming Forgetful?

So, as we continue to age and become a little more forgetful, it’s important to automate these 6 things for an easier and worry free life. Are there any other things you’ve automated to make your life easier? We look forward to hearing from you.

Written by Amy Trenton

1.     3.2 million Households in America are Homes of Seniors Living Alone

Roughly 10% of households with Americans living by themselves are homes with people aged 65 and older. This percentage has grown by 7% since the year 2005 and is expected to increase as baby boomers reach their golden years.

2.     900,000 Seniors Live in Care Centers

Across the Nation there are more than 900,000 people living in a type of assisted living settings. Approximately 70% of assisted living move-in elderly adults have moved from a private home or apartment and 7% have moved from a family residence.

3.     2/3 of Seniors with Chronic Disabilities Are Cared For By Family

Two thirds of seniors receive informal care from family or friends and this includes help around the house and assistance with disabilities. Many elderly adults live with family or are assisted by family in their private homes before, if ever, moving to a care center. To prevent care center living and to maintain independence, many elderly adults and their families opt to use a medical alert system. These systems are fantastic for medical help and assistance, especially in the instances of falls.

4.     Falls Are the Most Common Complaint Among The Elderly

Falls can be prevented in the home with grab bars and several other precautionary measures but they still happen and are the number on complaint of seniors living alone. Some falls are small and cause minimal damage but other falls can create a need for hip surgeries and replacement. When falls are nearly critical and cause a large amount of damage, it is important to have a medical assistance system in place to call and to receive immediate help.

5.     Elderly Adults Visit the Doctor at a Ratio of 7 to 1 Each Year Over Adults ages 45 to 65

In 2007, seniors averaged more doctors’ office visits that adults between the ages of 45 to 65 did. This reflects on increased fragility of the body as well as deteriorating functions that come with age. In 2012, 97% of seniors reported a continuous doctor that they visited on a consistent basis.

6.     64% of Elderly Care Center Residents Need ADL Assistance Bathing

ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living. This means activities that are a part of life each day. As we age, some of these takes become more difficult than others. Seniors living in care centers see the best help with ADL with 64% needing assistance with bathing, 39% needing help getting dressed, 26% requesting assistance with Toileting and 12% requiring help with eating.  87% of residents in assisted living or care centers also require help with meal preparation and 81% need help with the management of medications.

 Senior Living

The golden years of life can creep up on us and our families and it is important to understand the facts and create a plan for senior living. Creating a plan now can prevent confusion and accidents in the future. Do not wait until it is too late to get a medical alert system from Rescue Alert for your home or to install grab bars. As you or your parents make the journey into senior life, remember the statistics and use them to help in your plan and decision making processes.

Written by Amy Trenton

Stay Organized

One way to stay on top of medications is to stay organized. Weekly or monthly pill boxes allow for pills to be split up and organized into daily sections and some pill dividers come with a set of daily evening and morning divisions. These pill boxes allow for elderly to spilt up their medications in a way that is easy to see and remember which pills to take on which day. These boxes can be reorganized once a month, one a week or whenever necessary but it is important to refill the boxes when they are empty. This organization allows for the elderly to accurately take their medications free of hassle.

Set Reminders

If a medication has instructions to be taken at a certain time, it is important to create reminders for oneself. Place the pill near any area it will be seen or set an alarm to remind you to take the pill. Both of these are great ways to implement the organization of medications and remember to actually take them. Reminders can be set in phones, over home systems, on televisions or even with a timer. It is important to remember to take the medication and setting reminders throughout a home is the perfect way to do that.

Make a Routine

Lastly, make a routine for yourself. When you fill your prescriptions, immediately take them home and organize them into the weekly/monthly pill organizers. This saves time and effort later and begins the process of creating a routine. When setting alarms, set them for the same times daily and create a routine around taking medications. If food needs to be eaten with a medication, set reminders during times when you eat, thus making a routine.

Stay On Top of Your Medication

Through staying organized, setting reminders and making a routine of taking prescription and supplement medications, America’s elderly can remain healthier longer and stay on top of their medications.

For other tips on safe living click here and here.

Written by Amy Trenton