Older adults and medication management

Professor Ngaire Kerse talks about the challenges of managing multimorbidity and medication complexity in older adults.

She discusses the definitions of multimorbidity, the vulnerabilities of older adults to medication issues, and the importance of regular medication reviews, with emphasis on appropriate prescribing and the role of healthcare professionals in supporting older adults in their medication management.

The conversation also covers specific medications like statins and aspirin, the management of hypertension, the risks associated with anticholinergic medications, and the need for equitable medication management for Māori and Pacific populations.

Topics

Intro.
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Defining multimorbidity and medication complexity.
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Understanding vulnerabilities in older adults
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Is age a useful proxy?
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Common medications responsible for harm.
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Medication review practices.
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Red flags in medication management.
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Statins and cardiovascular risk.
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Aspirin use in prevention.
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Managing hypertension.
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Anticholinergic medications and risks.
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The sleeping tablet conversation.
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Deprescribing and appropriate prescribing.
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Equitable medication management.
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Recommended resources
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Take home messages.
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Take home messages

Ask about the pills, falls, and incontinence.
Encourage people to understand their own medication.
As a minimum, review medications annually.
What can be tapered off? What's not there that could be there?

Resources

The New Zealand Formulary
Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand
Multimorbidity and Complexity of Medicines Use in Older People (Online) UOA Certificate of Proficiency.

Presenter

Ngaire Kerse

Professor

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Professor Ngaire Kerse (MNZM) is a leading New Zealand medical academic and general practitioner specialising in the health and well-being of older people. As of 2026, she continues to serve as the Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well and is a Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care at the University of Auckland.