New Study Shows Not Taking Medication Can Increase Risk of Falls for Seniors

It seems like common sense, but a recent study of Boston-area seniors has shown that those who occasionally neglected their medications were 50% more likely to fall than those who take their medications as directed.

The study was conducted by the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston. Researchers surveyed 246 men and 408 women with an average age of 78. In this group, 376 reported a total of 1,052 falls. Questions included “Do you ever forget to take your medications?” and “Are you careless at times about taking your medications?” The study found that nearly half – 48 % – did not fully adhere to their medication schedule.