Polypharmacy is defined as being on 5 or more medicines, and is a major concern for providers as the use of multiple medicines is common in the older population with multimorbidity, and as one or more medicines may be used to treat each condition. At least three paragraphs and references no older than 5 years in APA. Purchase the answer to view it

Polypharmacy, characterized by the concurrent use of five or more medicines, is a significant challenge within healthcare provision. It is particularly prevalent among the older population with multimorbidity, where multiple medications are often used to manage various conditions. The increasing use of polypharmacy is a consequence of population aging and the subsequent rise in chronic diseases. While the appropriate use of multiple medications can improve health outcomes, polypharmacy is associated with several risks, including adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, medication non-adherence, and an increased burden of healthcare costs. Therefore, understanding and managing polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to optimize patient safety and outcomes.

The use of multiple medications among older adults is a common phenomenon due to age-related physiological changes, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, and the use of preventive therapies. According to a study by Fillenbaum et al. (2018), 71% of community-dwelling older adults in the United States were found to be exposed to polypha