Are most people over 50 on some kind of medication?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm almost 47 and in no meds, but BP now high and will need to start a med. I'm 6'3" and 109 lbs, eatcwell and exercise - and I still have high BP.

What is your BP? Be careful with that - sometimes those automatic BP things aren't terribly accurate. Also, make sure they're using the right cuff size as you seem smallish. Ask for a manually read BP.

[Anonymous]

53, on birth control and nasal spray for seasonal allergies. Neither caused by aging. I have good genetics and am lucky, grandparents on both side lived very long, even in my great grandparents generation. Both parents are 77 and only on glaucoma medication, my mom’s vision sucks and she shouldn’t drive but healthy as can be. Low blood pressure and zero cholesterol issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm almost 47 and in no meds, but BP now high and will need to start a med. I'm 6'3" and 109 lbs, eatcwell and exercise - and I still have high BP.

^^ meant 5'3"

phew, my god you had me worried!
I know a "healthy weight" is different for everyone but I couldn't picture that combo being healthy by any stretch!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 43 and on no medication. At my last appointment doctor appointment the nurse said she didn't remember the last time someone over 40 wasn't on something. So, if that is any indication, over 50 must be a real shock.

There may be many people taking something, but I think there is still a sizable population on nothing. Maybe they just don't go to the doctor as often! I'm 52 and taking no medications, but I also had stage 3 cancer at 41 and had a 50% chance of not surviving 5 years.

Like one of the PPs, I thought I had great genes, most ancestors living and staying healthy almost to 100.

But it's silly to take that for granted.

No matter whether you are taking medication or not, it's important to eat well and excercise daily. Get time outdoors. My mom managed to lower her BP without medication after retirement, just by making the decision not to get worked up about things. (she was always extreme in the getting-worked-up area, so her efforts did make a difference.) A good friend has lowered his blood pressure by fasting every third day (google "intermittent fasting.") He still takes medication, but half what he would have to take without the fasting.