Medication adherence in older people: Predictors and strategies for improvement

Medication adherence represents a complex and multidimensional issue in healthcare. Analyzing the factors influencing medication adherence in elderly individuals identifies three main groups: patient-related, medication-related, and environmental factors. Patients facing physical, cognitive, or sensory limitations may struggle with proper medication intake, while a lack of health literacy can contribute to an insufficient understanding of the therapy. The complexity of treatment regimens, medication side effects, and financial factors can also influence adherence to therapy. The consequences of non-adherence to drug therapy can be severe, including inadequate disease control, worsening symptoms and conditions, increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving therapy adherence are crucial. These interventions include simplifying dosing regimens, using reminders, enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers, and utilizing modern technologies. Clear and supportive communication between patients and healthcare providers can improve therapy adherence in elderly individuals.