American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 267 Pharmacist Approach to Geriatrics

vol. 4 • no. 3 …the pharmacy profession holds preventive care and healthy lifestyle changes as part of its core value system. Abstract: Pharmacists have tradition-ally focused on the appropriate use of medications to enhance the functional status of the elderly patient. However, in the proper provision of pharmaceutical care, the influence of lifestyle factors on the use and misuse of medications cannot be ignored. The pharmacist col-laborates with other members of the health care team to ensure that drugs are dosed according to known changes occurring with age such as pharmaco-kinetic and pharmacodynamic alter-ations. Also, medications that may decrease cognitive function, impair gait/balance, or reduce sensory stim-ulation must be avoided. The appro-priate use of medications can improve the functional status and reduce mor-bidity in the elderly patient, and drug adherence issues should be addressed to ensure that the elderly patient can receive the optimal benefit from his or her medication regimen. Pharmacists, in collaboration with physicians and other health care providers, can help to ensure that a comprehensive approach to patient care occurs, one that involves medications, diet, and exercise as it embraces the mind, body, and spirit