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Lily Takes a Tumble

Polypharmacy in Older Adults

By Karina Hamilton, Nicola Leppinen, Kayla Randles, accLaura Pickell

Lily Takes a Tumble


 

Abstract

This case study is designed to highlight the overlooked issue of polypharmacy in the aging population and to emphasize the importance of a biopsychosocial model of health. Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications by an individual, is a growing concern and can cause significant complications, such as drug toxicity, falls, and non-adherence. The case tells the story of “Lily,” an older woman with a history of multiple morbidities who has difficulty managing multiple pill bottles and navigating the healthcare system.  Students are tasked with examining her medical records and prescriptions to learn why older adults are at an increased risk of polypharmacy, how healthcare systems can contribute to and address polypharmacy, and how biological aging impacts pharmacokinetics. Students also build empathy as they make associations with personal experiences and learn about Lily’s difficulties. Originally written for an undergraduate course related to aging health and biology, this interdisciplinary case study can easily be modified for a variety of course levels and contexts, including pharmacology, biology of aging, gerontology, healthcare systems and policy, psychology, and social sciences.

   

Date Posted

05/29/2026

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe the risks and effects of polypharmacy on the aging population.
  • Explain interactions between polypharmacy and the healthcare system.
  • Explain how underlying biological changes relating to aging impact polypharmacy.
  • Assess patient and drug information provided to determine risk of interactions.
  • Empathize and explain different perspectives of the aging population.

Keywords

Polypharmacy; drug interactions; medication management; adverse drug reaction; pharmacovigilance; prescribing cascade; health literacy; aging population; Beers criteria; ageism; deprescribing; biopsychosocial model; pharmacokinetics

  

Subject Headings

Interdisciplinary Sciences
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Pharmacy / Pharmacology
Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Professional (degree program), Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis/Issues, Directed, Discussion, Interrupted

 

 

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