The challenges of using 31 PBS scripts a year – new research

Australians are living longer than ever before. While this is broadly good news, ageing well comes with a range of challenges.

Published: 5 October 2025
  • national
  • 5 October 2025
  • The Conversation

As people grow older, they’re more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive problems such as dementia.

These conditions often mean people need to take more medications. Around one in three Australians aged over 70 take five or more different medications.

While these can be important, and even lifesaving, managing multiple medications can become a major challenge in itself.