Abstract

This thesis attempts to document and illuminate the growing issue of prescription drug abuse among the elderly population. The average elder in the U.S. takes at least one prescription drug per day, depending upon their health status. Likewise, elders that suffer from multiple chronic conditions are more likely to take multiple prescription drugs. As the lifespan of humankind grows well into their 90's and older, even more elders will be placed on prescription drugs. As part of this study, a narrative literature review was conducted to summarize the topic of prescription drug abuse amongst the elderly. The findings suggest that elderly white women over the age of 80 years old are more likely to take prescription drugs that lead to a higher risk of bodily injuries and death. This study is critically important and essential since the current generation that meets the age requirement to be considered elderly is the "Baby Boomer" generation. The "Baby Boomer" generation, defined as individuals born between 1946 and 1964, is considered one of the largest generations recorded in modern times. This study will be useful for practitioners, residential care facilities, policymakers, and family members to have better oversight and communication with elders suffering from chronic conditions that take prescription drugs to cure their illnesses.

Notes

If this is your thesis or dissertation, and want to learn how to access it or for more information about readership statistics, contact us at STARS@ucf.edu

Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Ross, Lee

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Criminal Justice

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008211; DP0023565

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023565

Language

English

Release Date

August 2020

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Download

Share

COinS