Having enough information can be a great resource. When facing a new problem, it's easy to find ourselves lost. Because issues surrounding seniors and substance use is such a hidden one, it can be hard to find the information we need.

For this reason, we have compiled the following set of helpful reminders, tips, links and articles.

• Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist
• Things to Do (Before, During and After Your Next Visit)

• Seniors Speak Out About... Loneliness

Driving Information for Seniors: Transportation Options Network for Seniors

As we age, we need to take more, and different kinds of medications. Growing older also means our bodies respond differently to alcohol and to medication. This means:

• Some of your medicines won’t mix well with other medications. These include over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.
• Many medications do not mix well with alcohol.

As we age, changes occur:

• Your body weight may change. This can influence the amount of medicine you need to take and how long it stays in your body.

• Your body circulation may slow down. This can affect how quickly drugs get to the liver and kidneys.

• Your liver and kidneys may work slower. This can affect how a drug breaks down and is eliminated from the body.

To guard against potential problems, become knowledgeable about your medication and how it makes you feel. Take steps on your own:

• Read the labels of your medications carefully. Follow the directions.
• Look for pictures or statements on your prescriptions and pill bottles. They may tell you not to drink alcohol while taking the particular medicine. If you are taking medication for sleeping, pain, anxiety or depression, it is unsafe to drink alcohol.
• Stick to the recommended limit of one alcoholic drink a day for anyone over the age of 65. (This does not include people diagnosed with a drinking problem.) That’s 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, or 5 ounces of wine.
• Talk to you health care professional about all medicines you take. These may include prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, vitamins and herbals.
• Tell your doctor about any food of medicine allergies you have. Keep track of side effects. Let your doctor know about any unexpected symptoms or changes in the way you feel.
• Go through your medicine cabinet at least once a year to get rid of old or expired medicines.
• Have all of your medicine reviewed by your doctor at least once a year.

Un guide d’information pour les aînés

Un feuillet d’information pour les aînés

Doctors and pharmacists are busy people, and sometimes, it can be hard to get answers to your questions. But staying informed is one of the best ways to take care of your health and to guard against prescription misuse. The following is a list of recommended questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist next time you visit. Bring along a printed list, to help you remember what to ask. Remember, you are entitled to take care of your health, so if you don't understand an answer, ask again.

• What are the costs, benefits and risks of taking this medication?

• Is there a generic brand for this drug? If so, what is it called?

• Is this prescription an eligible drug under Medicare?

• How do I take this medication? (Example, orally)

• When should I take the medication? Before, after or between meals? At bedtime? As needed?

• Are there specific foods or beverages I should or should not take with my medication? (Example, with or without milk) (Specifically ask, “Can I drink alcohol with this medication?”)

• Are there any non-prescription medications or herbal products I should avoid taking at the same time as this medication? (Be sure to show your doctor and pharmacist a list of all you medications, including any non-prescription medications such as aspirins, vitamins or antacids as well as herbal products.)

• Is there anything else I should avoid while I am taking this medication? (Example, driving a car, air travel or exercise)

• Might I experience any side-effects or reactions to this medication? If so, what are they? What should I do if I develop a side-effect or reaction?

• What side-effects or reactions should be reported immediately to my doctor or pharmacist?

• What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?

• How long should I take this medication?

• What do I do if I need a refill of the medication?

• Is there any written patient information available about this medication?

• What danger signs should I look for?

• Is there anything else I should know?

List provided by the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat.

Before you visit your doctor or pharmacist, review this list of helpful reminders. This will help you to take your health and well-being into your own hands. Some people print off a copy of this list, or write reminders in a medical diary.

• Prepare your quesitons in advance. Before your visit, ask yourself, "What I would like to know by the end of my visit?"
• Make a list of your symptoms, questions, concerns. Note down any past experiences with the same problem(s).
• Take all your medications (or a list of them), including any non-prescription medications and herbal products, with you to the doctor and pharmacist.
• At the doctor’s office, ask your most important questions first. Take notes. Tell your doctor as much as you can. Ask, if you don’t understand, and repeat what you think the doctor said.
• Learn some basic medical terms. Keep a journal of what you have learned, your prescribed medications, reactions to medications and treatment, and your questions as they occur.
• Make sure you understand all instructions before taking a new medication.
• Take your medications as directed. Don't take more or less than the prescribed amount.
• Use a checklist to keep track of the medication you have taken.
• If you experience any unusual signs or symptoms, or notice anything different, call your doctor or pharmacist. Drugs are absorbed differently into your body as you age. Watch for reactions such as headaches, lack of coordination, changes in moods, eating, sleeping or breathing patterns or any other unusual symptoms.
• Keep a permanent record of all medications that cause you allergic reactions or sensitivity.
• If your doctor suggests you wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace for allergies, order one by calling 1-800-668-1507.
• Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor’s approval.
• Never share your medication with others; it could have serious consequences.
• Remove cotton packing from the medication container. Keep your medication in the original airtight container.
• Store your medication in a safe and appropriate place. Ask your pharmacist for advice on where to store your medications. Most medications should be stored at room temperature away from light and excessive moisture, so the bathroom is not always the best place to store medications.
• Check the expiry date of your medication. Do not use any expired medication as it may be ineffective or even harmful in some cases. If there is no expiry date, consult your pharmacist.
• Take outdated medication to your pharmacist for disposal. If you forget to take your medication, do not double the next dose. Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on what to do.
• Finish all your medication, unless your doctor tells you not to.

List provided by the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat.

Because medication and alcohol misuse can happen unintentionally, it’s important to know if you’re having a problem. Here are some signals that may indicate an alcohol or medication-related problem:

• Memory trouble after having a drink or taking medicine
• Loss of coordination (walking unsteadily, frequent falls)
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Unexplained bruises
• Being unsure of yourself
• Irritability, sadness, depression
• Unexplained chronic pain
• Changes in eating habits
• Wanting to stay alone a lot of the time
• Failing to bathe of keep clean
• Having trouble finishing sentences
• Having trouble concentrating
• Difficulty staying in touch with family or friends
• Lack of interest in usual activities

Do you think you may be having trouble with alcohol or medications? Do you want to avoid a problem? Here are some things you can do:

Talk to someone you trust:

• Talk with your doctor or other health care professional. They can check for any problems you may be having, and can discuss treatment options with you.
• Ask for advice from a staff member at a senior centre of other program in which you participate.
• Share your concerns with a friend, family member or spiritual advisor.

Share the right information with your health care professional:

• Make a list for your doctor of all your medicines (including doses) as well as your dietary supplements and herbal preparations. Keep the list updated, and carry it with you. For each medicine list:
1. The name of the medicine
2. The amount that you take (1 tablet 400 mg)
3. The time that you take it (morning)
4. The reason for taking the medicine (arthritis)
• Remind your doctor or pharmacist about any previous conditions that might affect your ability to take certain medicines, such as allergies, a stroke, hypertension, serious heart disease, liver problems or lung disease.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know the meaning of a word, if instructions are unclear, or if you want more information.
• Whenever possible, have your doctor of a member of the medical staff give you written advice or instructions.

Click here for a link to an article (PDF file) which explores the thougths, ideas and feelings of Canadian seniors on the topic of loneliness