Is it that unusual to be in your 60s and not on medication?

[Mumblechum0]

This is just something that made me think this week; 3 separate groups of friends and family, all late 50s or early 60s.

im finding increasingly that a lot of conversations turn to various ailments etc. I find these very dull.

amyway, in all 3 groups (I know how bizarre this sounds), they talked about what medications they’re on, and were surprised that I don’t take anything, not even vitamins, hrt etc.

i had cancer over 20 yrs ago but have been to the GP twice in 10 years. If I get ill, I tend to just wait for it to pass.

anyway, I wondered idly whether I just hang out with a lot of very unlucky people in terms of health, or is it usual to be on 3 or 4 meds?

(one friend had an alarm going off on her phone all day to remind her to take her tablets which led to today’s conversation)

I’m mid 60s and not on any meds.
Im in danger of having to take statins though as I was diagnosed with high cholesterol earlier this year. Trying to reduce it by diet first. GP has given me 6 months.

Yes you're lucky. My family are on medication for hereditary illnesses and disorders as well as common problems that can affect you whether or not you lead a healthy lifestyle (they do).

Says a lot about you that you find other people's health issues dull...would you like that to be others' attitude toward you when you become unwell?

Why does he have to take sleeping medication though? Can't see the connection with cancer.

And tbh many cancer patients are bullied into taking " just in case' medication

Why would anyone want to hear or talk about health issues constantly. It is dull.
And no my own health issues are. Not something id bring up in social events either.

I think it is unusual. I'm 64. Most of my friends take something regularly, HRT or statins, calcium or BP meds. Others with significant health issues who have a whole host of prescribed drugs. I've been very lucky with my health so far and haven't needed anything. I take some vitamins but no medication beyond the occasional paracetamol or an antihistamine in summer.

Last year I had to have emergency surgery for a random one off problem. The staff in A&E wouldn't/couldn't believe I wasn't on any sort of regular prescribed medication. More than one person questioned me when I told them that, asking 'What? Nothing at all?'

I’m 61, take no medication at all aside the odd ibuprofen for the odd headache. However, I am 5 months into Mounjaro (3 stone down, 10lbs to go to reach 10 stone).

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/difficulty-sleeping

It would have been faster to Google than to wait for me to reply xx

Well not everyone with cancer has difficulty sleeping do they?

From him to others before he got ill?
Not a dot.

Of course I sorry for him going through cancer but also incredibly frustrated at him refusing to tell the doctors about any effects or complications with his health because he doesn’t want to take any more medication. I feel very sorry for his wife who is desperately trying to get him to be more forthcoming with his treatments and health and is getting abuse from him when she dares to be honest with his doctors.

No. But you easily find out why SOME might.

And then it's up to them whether they take medication for it or not. It shouldn't be forced onto people

Sleep is essential for recovery.

ocool I think you are right .I prided myself on not taking any medication at all .A trip to the Doc meant I had high blood pressure .Not noticeable quite often unless headache or similar. Now on beta blockers and Ramipril

I’m on antidepressants and local estrogen cream

People still have choices.

And my aunt is at her wit’s end with worry about him.

He refused to tell the doctors about an infection. She had to tell them and suffer his anger about disclosing it and having “more medication”. He hadn’t slept more than an hour or two for over a week and was in a terrible mood which she had to deal with. He didn’t tell them about his blood pressure until he passed out walking into their offices.

The point is, your medical condition/ use of medication is not a reflection of who you are as a person and people who think it is should be told otherwise!

No the point is people have autonomy over their own health and treatment. And end of life is hugely stressfull, particularly for the patient! You’re not walking in his shoes so maybe until you are maybe judge a little less over what you think seriously ill people should do.

I am the parent of young adults receiving treatment. Like it or not over 18 they don’t have to disclose anything and get to make all the choices. I respect that even when it goes against what I would prefer and what I think may be better for them.

It’s not end of life treatment. He has a very good prognosis if he listens to and responds appropriately to his doctors.

He thinks illness is a personal failure. He’s wrong.

It's still up to him what treatment he chooses. Why can you not see this? Or do you think he should do stuff simply because other people want him to?

Of course it’s up to him! But his reason for refusing is because he thinks it’s a personal failing to need it which is flawed thinking. That’s what I disagree with!

It’s also unfair to pretend that his choices don’t significantly impact my aunt.

I get the same thing. Apparently at my age (72) no meds and 30 teeth is virtually unheard of.

Well I’m that age, and I’m only on HRT, aspirin (after strokes) and the odd painkiller. Plus an inhaler as and when I need it. 👍

Lol only. I think that's the point of the thread.

It's quite normal to be on preventative medications like statins to reduce cholesterol and meds to prevent bone loss and osteoperosis, even if there's nothing "wrong" with you.