Older Adults and Antibiotics: Study Shows Healthy Attitudes but Unhealthy Practices

Most adults over the age of 50 understand that overuse of antibiotics is a problem, reports Newswise . But a growing minority have used antibiotics for something other than their original purpose and even think the drugs can help treat colds, which are caused by viruses not bacteria. according to a new paper in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology . Key findings from the new paper include: 89 percent of older adults agreed that overuse can lead to antibiotics not working the next time they're needed; almost 56 percent concurred that doctors overprescribe antibiotics; however, 41 percent said that if they had a cold or flu that lasted long enough to cause them to see a doctor, they'd expect to receive a prescription for an antibiotic; and, finally, more than one-third of respondents said they believe antibiotics can help them get better if they get a cold or the flu. The research results come from a national poll of people between 50 and 80 carried out as part of the National Poll on Healthy Aging. The study's authors, who hail from the University of Michigan's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, say their findings highlight the importance of careful guidance from health care providers to older men and women about the proper use and disposal of antibiotics prescribed to outpatients.