Why are the elderly especially vulnerable to adverse drug-nutrient interactions?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

As people age, their likelihood of taking medicines increases. Up to 90 percent of adults aged 65 years and older take at least one prescription medicine; almost 40 percent use five or more daily. They take a variety of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as glucosamine, as well.
Most often, older adults take multiple drugs and supplements for heart disease, but also to treat arthritis, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. They often go to different doctors for each condition and receive different prescriptions from each. Furthermore, physiologic changes associated with aging may alter drug metabolism and excretion, which may in turn, diminish drug effectiveness or create potential toxicities. For all these reasons, physicians need to “start low and go slow” when prescribing for older adults.
To avoid harmful drug interactions, consumers need to inform all of their physicians and pharmacists of all the medicines being taken. These medicines enable people of all ages to enjoy better health, but they also bring side effects and risks.