Understanding the ageing process : pharmacology and complementary therapies

Prescription and over-the-counter medications have an important and often essential role in the promotion of optimum health and the management of medical conditions in the general population. However, as we age, medication use increases. In fact, it has been reported that most older Australians use at least one medication on a daily basis, and many use multiple medications. It is well accepted that Australia has an aging population. On average, most Australians can expect to live to at least 75 years in relatively good health. The proportion of people over the age of 65, for example, in 2011 was 13.7 per cent (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011) and it is predicted that this figure will increase to 26 per cent by 2051 (Elliott, 2006). The Australian healthcare sector is mandated to plan for this increase and to meet the inherent challenges of caring for an ageing population.