My elderly Jamaican relatives went on vacation abroad and had a car accident. In hospital, they were asked to list the medications they were currently taking. Both reported that they did not have any chronic illnesses and that they were not taking any medications.

The hospital staff thought that they must have received brain injury during the accident for them to say this, since it was so unlikely. The Jamaican health system and this couple's genetic make-up and healthy lifestyle are apparently paying off.

The good news is that we are all living longer, with over 10 per cent of our population being defined as elderly. But living longer comes at a price. The elderly consume nearly one-third of all the medications prescribed. Many consume between two and 12 different drug items every day. All this happens at a time when drug prices are increasing and when earnings have decreased. With advancing age, we tend to have chronic illnesses, like arthritis, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's and mental illness, hence our increased usage of medications and increased risk of their side effects.

Sensitivity to drugs

In our senior years, our tissues, especially the brain and nervous system, become more sensitive to drugs. Adverse reactions are more likely with drugs which act on the brain and nervous system. Old people who take these drugs are likely to get sleepy, light-headed and confused, which increases the risk of falling and breaking bones.

Swallowing

Some elderly persons have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules. Ulceration develops if tablets are left inside the mouth. Tablets are best administered with plenty of liquid and when the person is in an upright position. The liquid forms of drugs, if available, may be a great option.

Absorption and distribution of medication

Changes in the digestive system make medications take longer to enter the bloodstream and to start working. The heart and circulatory system change, so drugs in the bloodstream may take a longer time to get to the liver and kidneys and other parts of the body where they are needed.

Processing

The liver becomes less efficient at breaking down drugs. Unprocessed drugs can accumulate dangerously in the body.

Elimination from the body

By age 65, the kidneys' ability to clear drugs from the body via the urine, decreases by about 30 per cent. This ability falls by one to two per cent with each passing year. Prostate problems in older men may aggravate this situation. Dangerous accumulations of drugs may result.

Your doctor knows

The medical doctor is aware of these bodily changes and usually prescribes conservatively for seniors. Sometimes, half the usual adult dose of a drug is sufficient to produce a positive response.

Growing younger and living longer

Ageing is regarded by some health professionals as an occurrence which is preventable and treatable. They suggest that we watch our weight and diet, use nutritional supplements, exercise regularly, relax and manage stress, enhance our minds with positive, pretty thoughts, and eliminate toxic relationships, foods and emotions from our lives.

Dahlia McDaniel is a pharmacist and final year doctoral candidate in public health at the University of London; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.