Age needs one voice. Now it has:
Age Cyrmru is the new force combining Age Concern Cymru and
Help the Aged in Wales. Age Cymru is a member of the Age UK family.
The new force combining &
Published on 27 May 2011 12:00 PM
1 in 3 over 50s in Wales is regularly taking more than one type of medication according to new figures from Age Cymru.
The charity is today launching a new booklet for older people on taking their medication safely called ‘You and your medication’.
Age Cymru’s Health Initiatives Officer Rhian Pearce says:
“Our research highlights how widespread the use of medications – from over-the-counter medications such as painkillers, inhalers or other sprays, is by over 50s across Wales.
“It also reveals that a significant amount of over 50s is using more than one type of medication on a regular basis.
“The more medications we take, the more potential side-effects – such as drowsiness or stomach upsets, we may have to deal with.
“There is also a greater risk that different types of medication may interact with each other and impair the effectiveness of one or more treatments.
“It is also important to know how to take all medications properly to ensure that they are working effectively to manage the conditions for which they are prescribed or purchased.
“This is why Age Cymru has produced ‘You and your medication’ – a handy, full-colour, bilingual guide about how to manage your medications.”
‘You and your medication’ contains a ten point guide to taking your medicines safely, as well as advice about hospital and GP appointments and information about alcohol and medication.
The booklet also has a list of useful contacts and a form you can use to keep a handy record of the medications you are taking.
Rhian Pearce concludes: “ ‘You and your medication’ gives you general information about how to take your medications safely – including the importance of having your medications reviewed regularly, to help you take ownership of your health.
“Your pharmacist can give you a free medication review and talk to you about your medication and how best to take them – why not ask for one the next time you pop into your local chemist?”
You can get a copy of this leaflet by contacting Age UK Advice - our free advice line, on freephone 0800 169 65 65.
ENDS
CONTACT
For all media enquiries, please contact Iwan Rhys Roberts, Communications Officer – Age Cymru, on 029 2043 1562, 07739 894 923, iwan.roberts@agecymru.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS• Research carried out by ICM for Age Cymru during March 2011 revealed that 67 per cent of over 50s take regular medication and 33 per cent of over 50s regularly take several types of medication.• The report is the product of a total of thirteen questions asked during telephone interviews conducted between the 1st and 2nd of March 2011. ICM interviewed a representative sample of 1,003 Welsh adults aged 18+. • Interviews were conducted across Wales, and the results have been weighted to the profile of all Welsh adults.
Age Cymru: • Age Cymru is the force combining Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales.• Age affects us all in different ways. We cannot promise good health, but we should be able to ensure good care for all of us. When we find loneliness, we will reach out. When age becomes a burden, we will lighten the load.• Age Cymru will campaign. We will fundraise. We will research. We will make the powers that be listen.• Age Cymru is a registered charity 1128436.• Company limited by guarantee and registered by in England and Wales 6837284.• Registered office address: Ty John Pathy, 13/14 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ.• Age Cymru works nationally and locally across Wales to improve life for all older people.
Set your location to see what Age Cymru offers in your local area.
For all media enquiries about Age Cymru, please contact our Communications Officer, Iwan Rhys Roberts.
07739 894 923
Set the appearance of this website so you can read it more easily
To see information relating to England, Northern Ireland or Scotland set your preference below: