People ages 60 and older make up nearly 17 percent of the population, but use more than 30 percent of all over-the-counter (OTC) medicines bought in the United States.  This population uses more prescription and over-the-counter medicines than any other age group in the U.S., and it is more important than ever that this age group knows how to safely and appropriately use OTCs.

In a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and the Alliance for Aging Research (AAR), 30 percent of older Americans use two to four OTC medicines in a given month, in addition to taking an average of three prescription medicines.

All seniors and those who help care for them should talk to a doctor about both the prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You also can learn more about safely using OTC medications from the resources provided here.