In the United States, two-thirds of adults aged 65 and older rely on prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Alarmingly, 12% of this age group use 10 or more different medications per week, highlighting the complexity of their medication routines.
Medication non-adherence occurs due to both intentional and unintentional reasons. Common factors include forgetfulness and confusion, which account for 10-30% of poor adherence, the challenges of polypharmacy, where individuals are required to take more than five medications, and physical health issues such as vision difficulties that make managing medications more complex.
Non-adherence to medication has serious consequences, particularly for older adults. Studies show that between 26% and 59% of older adults do not follow their prescribed medication instructions. This lack of adherence leads to significant health impacts, including approximately 125,000 deaths annually in the United States and 194,500 deaths per year across European Union countries.
Poor medication adherence places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. In the United States, it costs the healthcare system over $290 billion annually. Globally, it accounts for approximately 8% of total healthcare expenditure, amounting to around $500 billion per year.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated medication adherence issues, particularly among older adults. Social isolation, limited access to healthcare, and increased psychological stress contributed to delays or missed medication refills, greater confusion about medication schedules, and an intensified need for solutions to simplify and improve medication management.
