how many medications does the average elderly person take
1 On average, individuals 65 to 69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions per year, individuals aged 80 to 84 take an average of 18 prescriptions per year. 2  15% to 25% of drug use in seniors is considered unnecessary or otherwise inappropriate.ealth Affairs 2001;6: 267â78. 1  Seniors represent just over 13% of the population, but consume 40% of prescription drugs and 35% of all over the counter drugs. 2  On average, individuals 65 to 69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions per year, individuals aged 80 to 84 take an average of 18 prescriptions per year.