Abstract
Background/Purpose:The 85+-year-old population – the “oldest old” – is now the fastest growing age segment in Canada. Although existing research demonstrates high health services utilization and prescribed medications in this population, little epidemiological evidence is available to guide care for this age group.Objective:To describe the epidemiological characteristics of common health conditions and medication prescriptions in the “oldest old”.Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review of all family practice patients aged ≥ 85 (N = 564; 209M:355F) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. Electronic medical records were reviewed for all current chronic conditions and medication prescriptions, and then stratified by sex and age subgroup (85–−89, 90–94, 95+) for descriptive analysis.Results:On average, patients experienced 6.4 concurrent chronic conditions and took 6.8 medications. Most conditions were related to cardiovascular (79%) and bone health (65%). Hypertension (65%) was the most common condition. Bone-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis) and hypothyroidism predominantly affected women (p < .001), while coronary artery disease and T2DM were more prevalent in men (p < .05). The top two prescribed medications were Atorvastatin (33%) and ASA 81 mg (33%). Males were more likely to be prescribed lipid-lowering medications, while females were more likely to receive osteoporosis therapy (p < .001). Patients received less lipid-lowering therapy with increasing age (p < .001).Discussion & Conclusion:Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are highly prevalent in patients over 85. Most clinical concerns in this population relate to cardiovascular and bone health; medications predominantly treat risk factors. In the absence of epidemiological data to guide clinical decision-making, this study provides a first look at the common health concerns and medication profiles in this population.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
