Podcast

Older Adults and Loneliness—Avoid High-Risk Medications - Frankly Speaking EP 254Guest: Jill M. Terrien, PhD, ANP-BC
Music Credit: Richard Onorato

Older adults who suffer from loneliness may be at risk of overusing medications prescribed for pain, insomnia, depression, or anxiety. Replacing these medications with social interventions may improve outcomes and help patients avoid adverse consequences. Join us as we discuss the importance of reviewing medications and assessing for loneliness in older adults to prevent adverse events and outcomes.  

Episode Resources and Links: 

• Kotwal, A. A., Steinman, M. A., Cenzer, I., & Smith, A. K. (2021). Use of High-risk Medications Among Lonely Older Adults: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample. JAMA internal medicine, e213775. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.3775 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34309620/
• Education for Patients:  Tips on Staying Connected—National Institutes on Aging  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected