May 21, 2026
NEW DELHI: For many elderly people, a typical day begins with a handful of pills – for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease. But a new global review suggests that in very frail older adults, continuing all long-term medicines may not always be necessary – and in many cases, carefully stopping some of them may be safe.The findings, published in the journal ‘BMC Geriatrics’, come from an analysis of patients with advanced frailty, dementia or limited life expectancy – a group often prescribed multiple medicines despite unclear long-term benefit. Researchers found that reducing or discontinuing such drugs did not lead to a rise in deaths or major complications in most cases.Many of these medicines are meant to prevent problems years later. Israel Iran WarMiddle East conflict: One Indian dead, another injured by missile debris in Abu Dhabi‘Man who ran Strait of Hormuz’: Iran navy commander Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strikeBab al-Mandeb: How the ‘Gate of Tears’ may emerge as Iran’s second choke point after HormuzBut for frail or seriously ill patients, those benefits may never be realised. Instead, taking multiple drugs can increase the risk of dizziness, weakness, confusion and falls, often leading to hospitalisation.Doctors say this pattern of “polypharmacy”, where patients take several medicines at once, is increasingly common among the elderly in India. “They often see multiple specialists and prescriptions are not always reviewed together. In frail older adults, over-treatment can do more harm than good – for instance, aspirin for primary prevention should be avoided, excessive blood pressure control can lead to falls, and drugs like diuretics, insulin or sulfonylureas can cause electrolyte imbalance or hypoglycaemia. The focus sho-uld be on reducing medicines where the risks outweigh the benefits,” said Dr Pulin Gupta, professor in the department of medicine at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.”In frail elderly patients, stopping some preventive medicines is generally safe if done carefully, though those with prior heart attack or stroke need caution,” said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital, Saket. He added that commonly overused drugs include statins for primary prevention, tightly controlled diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas, multiple blood pressure drugs, sleeping pills, long-term acid suppressants and anticholinergics.”Deprescribing should be structured – based on goals of care, frailty and life expectancy – with careful tapering and monitoring,” he said, noting that reducing medicines often leads to fewer falls, better cognition and improved energy levels.Families often assume more medicines mean better care, but the opposite can be true. Each added drug raises the risk of interactions. The review reflects a shift from aggressive prevention to pati-ent-centred care, where treatment aligns with health and priorities. Experts caution that medicines should not be stopped casually; reduction must be supervised, with each drug reviewed for need.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLPG Vessel ‘Apollo Ocean’ Carrying 16,000 Tonnes Of Cargo Docks In KarnatakaUS Lawmaker Brandon Gill’s Chhat Puja Remark Sparks Outrage, Indian Diaspora Hits Back Strongly’Only PM Modi Can…’: Ex-US Army Col Ridicules Pak’s Mediation Push In Iran War, Pitches India‘Get Serious Before It’s Too Late’, Trump To Iran; Indian Govt Says ‘Have Enough Fuel For 2 Months’West Asia Conflict: PM Modi To Chair Key Meet With CMs To Review Preparedness, PlansIAF Seeks Ultra-Light High-Altitude Drones To Enhance Garud Commandos Capabilities | WatchHow Precision Rockets Are Changing Modern Warfare | Pinaka System Explained’India Is An Oasis Of Energy Security’: Govt Says No Fuel Shortage, Warns Against Misinformation’China And India Cannot Be Moved Apart’: Chinese Envoy’s BIG Message To Delhi, Urges Good TiesIndia-US Defence Partnership Enters New Phase With Focus On Co-Development And Technology Sharing123Photostories10 abandoned islands in the world no one dares to live on and the chilling reasons whyPM Narendra Modi loves Khichdi for regular meals: 5 traditional ways to add 20 gms more protein to the comfort mealFrom Jameel Jamali to Ram Prasad and Ravi Choudhary; Rakesh Bedi’s memorable roles in BollywoodDurandhar 2’s Rakesh Bedi aka Jameel Jamali’s 5 memorable shows: From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Shrimaan ShrimatiWant puffed-up pooris every time? Chef Ranveer Brar reveals 2 simple tricks to follow5 versatile bikes that adapt to every terrain with precisionTired of Shimla-Manali? Try these offbeat hill stations instead this summer5 classic Chuck Norris movies to watch this weekend: From ‘Code of Silence’ to ‘Forest Warrior’From blobfish to blue-footed booby; 7 wild animals with seriously funny names!Popular beaches where venomous jellyfish are a known hazard — here’s when to avoid them123Hot PicksMiddle East warUS-Iran-War impactUS unemployment dataGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingICE immigration courtsFIFA World Cup TrophyIndia-Bangladesh NewsIran war newsMLB Opening Day 2026US-Iran-War impactUS mortgage ratesNirav ModiUS citizenshipCOVID-19 fraud case

NEW DELHI: For many elderly people, a typical day begins with a handful of pills – for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease. But a new global review suggests that in very frail older adults, continuing all long-term medicines may not always be necessary – and in many cases, carefully stopping some of them may be safe.The findings, published in the journal ‘BMC Geriatrics’, come from an analysis of patients with advanced frailty, dementia or limited life expectancy – a group often prescribed multiple medicines despite unclear long-term benefit. Researchers found that reducing or discontinuing such drugs did not lead to a rise in deaths or major complications in most cases.Many of these medicines are meant to prevent problems years later. Israel Iran WarMiddle East conflict: One Indian dead, another injured by missile debris in Abu Dhabi‘Man who ran Strait of Hormuz’: Iran navy commander Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strikeBab al-Mandeb: How the ‘Gate of Tears’ may emerge as Iran’s second choke point after HormuzBut for frail or seriously ill patients, those benefits may never be realised. Instead, taking multiple drugs can increase the risk of dizziness, weakness, confusion and falls, often leading to hospitalisation.Doctors say this pattern of “polypharmacy”, where patients take several medicines at once, is increasingly common among the elderly in India. “They often see multiple specialists and prescriptions are not always reviewed together. In frail older adults, over-treatment can do more harm than good – for instance, aspirin for primary prevention should be avoided, excessive blood pressure control can lead to falls, and drugs like diuretics, insulin or sulfonylureas can cause electrolyte imbalance or hypoglycaemia. The focus sho-uld be on reducing medicines where the risks outweigh the benefits,” said Dr Pulin Gupta, professor in the department of medicine at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.”In frail elderly patients, stopping some preventive medicines is generally safe if done carefully, though those with prior heart attack or stroke need caution,” said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital, Saket. He added that commonly overused drugs include statins for primary prevention, tightly controlled diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas, multiple blood pressure drugs, sleeping pills, long-term acid suppressants and anticholinergics.”Deprescribing should be structured – based on goals of care, frailty and life expectancy – with careful tapering and monitoring,” he said, noting that reducing medicines often leads to fewer falls, better cognition and improved energy levels.Families often assume more medicines mean better care, but the opposite can be true. Each added drug raises the risk of interactions. The review reflects a shift from aggressive prevention to pati-ent-centred care, where treatment aligns with health and priorities. Experts caution that medicines should not be stopped casually; reduction must be supervised, with each drug reviewed for need.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLPG Vessel ‘Apollo Ocean’ Carrying 16,000 Tonnes Of Cargo Docks In KarnatakaUS Lawmaker Brandon Gill’s Chhat Puja Remark Sparks Outrage, Indian Diaspora Hits Back Strongly’Only PM Modi Can…’: Ex-US Army Col Ridicules Pak’s Mediation Push In Iran War, Pitches India‘Get Serious Before It’s Too Late’, Trump To Iran; Indian Govt Says ‘Have Enough Fuel For 2 Months’West Asia Conflict: PM Modi To Chair Key Meet With CMs To Review Preparedness, PlansIAF Seeks Ultra-Light High-Altitude Drones To Enhance Garud Commandos Capabilities | WatchHow Precision Rockets Are Changing Modern Warfare | Pinaka System Explained’India Is An Oasis Of Energy Security’: Govt Says No Fuel Shortage, Warns Against Misinformation’China And India Cannot Be Moved Apart’: Chinese Envoy’s BIG Message To Delhi, Urges Good TiesIndia-US Defence Partnership Enters New Phase With Focus On Co-Development And Technology Sharing123Photostories10 abandoned islands in the world no one dares to live on and the chilling reasons whyPM Narendra Modi loves Khichdi for regular meals: 5 traditional ways to add 20 gms more protein to the comfort mealFrom Jameel Jamali to Ram Prasad and Ravi Choudhary; Rakesh Bedi’s memorable roles in BollywoodDurandhar 2’s Rakesh Bedi aka Jameel Jamali’s 5 memorable shows: From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Shrimaan ShrimatiWant puffed-up pooris every time? Chef Ranveer Brar reveals 2 simple tricks to follow5 versatile bikes that adapt to every terrain with precisionTired of Shimla-Manali? Try these offbeat hill stations instead this summer5 classic Chuck Norris movies to watch this weekend: From ‘Code of Silence’ to ‘Forest Warrior’From blobfish to blue-footed booby; 7 wild animals with seriously funny names!Popular beaches where venomous jellyfish are a known hazard — here’s when to avoid them123Hot PicksMiddle East warUS-Iran-War impactUS unemployment dataGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingICE immigration courtsFIFA World Cup TrophyIndia-Bangladesh NewsIran war newsMLB Opening Day 2026US-Iran-War impactUS mortgage ratesNirav ModiUS citizenshipCOVID-19 fraud case

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: For many elderly people, a typical day begins with a handful of pills – for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease. But a new global review suggests that in very frail older adults, continuing all long-term medicines may not always be necessary – and in many cases, carefully stopping some of them…

Read More
‘Prathichaya’ box office collections day 1: Nivin Pauly film opens slow; Earns Rs 75 lakhs gross | Malayalam Movie News

‘Prathichaya’ box office collections day 1: Nivin Pauly film opens slow; Earns Rs 75 lakhs gross | Malayalam Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Nivin Pauly’s political thriller ‘Prathichaya’ has opened to a lukewarm box office reception, collecting Rs 65 lakhs net on its first day. The film, which sees Pauly’s son stepping in to protect his father’s image amidst a political crisis, registered a modest 24.44% occupancy. Its success now hinges on positive word-of-mouth against strong competition. ‘Prathichaya’…

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‘Twilight’ star Taylor Lautner announces wife’s pregnancy: ‘What’s better than two Taylor Lautners?’

‘Twilight’ star Taylor Lautner announces wife’s pregnancy: ‘What’s better than two Taylor Lautners?’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Twilight’ star Taylor Lautner is going to be a dad! The actor and his wife, Taylor Lautner, announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple, who wed in 2022, delighted fans with the pregnancy announcement, made via a social media post. The couple shared the happy news with pictures from their pregnancy…

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Is there a second Sphinx under Giza? New scans spark shocking underground megastructure claims

Is there a second Sphinx under Giza? New scans spark shocking underground megastructure claims

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Giza Plateau has once again captured global attention after a group of researchers claimed that advanced radar scans may have revealed a vast underground network of structures, including what some are calling a possible “second Sphinx.” The theory, fuelled by satellite-based imaging and detailed subsurface mapping, suggests the presence of geometric formations, deep chambers, and…

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‘Ramayana’: Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari to begin film promotions in the United States after poster and teaser launch- Reports

‘Ramayana’: Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari to begin film promotions in the United States after poster and teaser launch- Reports

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

With the clocking ticking down to the Diwali release of Nitesh Tiwari’s epic, ‘Ramayana’, it is finally time for the team to kick off their film promotions. Amid much chatter about what the makers have in store for the fans, the details have finally been revealed. As per the latest reports, the makers of the…

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Scorpio Horoscope Today, March 27, 2026: Take calculated risks

Scorpio Horoscope Today, March 27, 2026: Take calculated risks

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Expect a wave of triumph and self-assurance today, transforming chores into mere play and fostering enjoyable connections. With laser-like focus, your work and academic pursuits will flourish. Look out for financial prospects, particularly in investment avenues, but tread carefully. Health is on your side—enjoy some gentle exercise. Success follows you around today like a steady…

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Ethan Agarwal: Silicon Valley’s Ethan Agarwal urges Trump to lift ban on Iranian students, gets called out as ‘moron’

Ethan Agarwal: Silicon Valley’s Ethan Agarwal urges Trump to lift ban on Iranian students, gets called out as ‘moron’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Democrat Ethan Agarwal urged president Donald Trump to review ban on Iranian students. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Ethan Agarwal, who is running for Congress in California-17 as a challenger to Ro Khanna in Dem primary, urged President Donald Trump to reconsider his immigration ban on Iran as that would force thousands of Iranian students who will…

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NEW DELHI: Acknowledging widespread concerns over the adverse impact of social media on children, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday that it has become a major issue everywhere and time has come for all stakeholders to come together to build a consensus on how to deal with the challenge.At Times Now Summit, Vaishnaw, who also holds I&B and railways portfolios, said this was a worry across the world, including in India. He noted that a judgment in the US flagged that addictive algorithms used by these platforms was hurting children.To a question about the fallout of the West Asia conflict, he said it will have a significant impact across the globe, but asserted that the Indian economy is in a better condition than several others.Israel Iran WarMiddle East conflict: One Indian dead, another injured by missile debris in Abu Dhabi‘Man who ran Strait of Hormuz’: Iran navy commander Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strikeBab al-Mandeb: How the ‘Gate of Tears’ may emerge as Iran’s second choke point after HormuzIndia has a “healthy” balance sheet, even compared to some rich countries, in terms of its debt to GDP ratio, which is 57%, he said. “Our growth story will give 6-8% real growth consistently for the next five years…We didn’t start the war. We are facing collateral damage,” he added.Hitting out at opposition parties, especially Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, for their attacks on govt, he said India has never seen such a “low level” of opposition. He blamed their frustration over repeated losses in elections and a sense of entitlement for their barbs at PM Narendra Modi.Referring to the shirtless protest by Youth Congress members at the AI Summit, he said, “Such low level of opposition is not what we have seen in any time of history. Our demo was hurt by this.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLPG Vessel ‘Apollo Ocean’ Carrying 16,000 Tonnes Of Cargo Docks In KarnatakaUS Lawmaker Brandon Gill’s Chhat Puja Remark Sparks Outrage, Indian Diaspora Hits Back Strongly’Only PM Modi Can…’: Ex-US Army Col Ridicules Pak’s Mediation Push In Iran War, Pitches India‘Get Serious Before It’s Too Late’, Trump To Iran; Indian Govt Says ‘Have Enough Fuel For 2 Months’West Asia Conflict: PM Modi To Chair Key Meet With CMs To Review Preparedness, PlansIAF Seeks Ultra-Light High-Altitude Drones To Enhance Garud Commandos Capabilities | WatchHow Precision Rockets Are Changing Modern Warfare | Pinaka System Explained’India Is An Oasis Of Energy Security’: Govt Says No Fuel Shortage, Warns Against Misinformation’China And India Cannot Be Moved Apart’: Chinese Envoy’s BIG Message To Delhi, Urges Good TiesIndia-US Defence Partnership Enters New Phase With Focus On Co-Development And Technology Sharing123Photostories10 abandoned islands in the world no one dares to live on and the chilling reasons whyPM Narendra Modi loves Khichdi for regular meals: 5 traditional ways to add 20 gms more protein to the comfort mealFrom Instagram talaq to ‘Divorce’ perfume and rapper romance: Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra’s fearless reinvention as a single momAre situationships hurting your mental health?From Jameel Jamali to Ram Prasad and Ravi Choudhary; Rakesh Bedi’s memorable roles in BollywoodObjectum sexuality: 10 bizarre incidents where people “Married” objectsWhat men really want! 5 things husbands secretly wish from their wivesDurandhar 2’s Rakesh Bedi aka Jameel Jamali’s 5 memorable shows: From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Shrimaan ShrimatiWant puffed-up pooris every time? Chef Ranveer Brar reveals 2 simple tricks to follow5 versatile bikes that adapt to every terrain with precision123Hot PicksKaroline LeavitTristan da Cunha8th Pay CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingICE immigration courtsFIFA World Cup TrophyIndia-Bangladesh NewsIran war newsMLB Opening Day 2026US-Iran-War impactUS mortgage ratesNirav ModiUS citizenshipCOVID-19 fraud case

NEW DELHI: Acknowledging widespread concerns over the adverse impact of social media on children, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday that it has become a major issue everywhere and time has come for all stakeholders to come together to build a consensus on how to deal with the challenge.At Times Now Summit, Vaishnaw, who also holds I&B and railways portfolios, said this was a worry across the world, including in India. He noted that a judgment in the US flagged that addictive algorithms used by these platforms was hurting children.To a question about the fallout of the West Asia conflict, he said it will have a significant impact across the globe, but asserted that the Indian economy is in a better condition than several others.Israel Iran WarMiddle East conflict: One Indian dead, another injured by missile debris in Abu Dhabi‘Man who ran Strait of Hormuz’: Iran navy commander Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strikeBab al-Mandeb: How the ‘Gate of Tears’ may emerge as Iran’s second choke point after HormuzIndia has a “healthy” balance sheet, even compared to some rich countries, in terms of its debt to GDP ratio, which is 57%, he said. “Our growth story will give 6-8% real growth consistently for the next five years…We didn’t start the war. We are facing collateral damage,” he added.Hitting out at opposition parties, especially Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, for their attacks on govt, he said India has never seen such a “low level” of opposition. He blamed their frustration over repeated losses in elections and a sense of entitlement for their barbs at PM Narendra Modi.Referring to the shirtless protest by Youth Congress members at the AI Summit, he said, “Such low level of opposition is not what we have seen in any time of history. Our demo was hurt by this.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLPG Vessel ‘Apollo Ocean’ Carrying 16,000 Tonnes Of Cargo Docks In KarnatakaUS Lawmaker Brandon Gill’s Chhat Puja Remark Sparks Outrage, Indian Diaspora Hits Back Strongly’Only PM Modi Can…’: Ex-US Army Col Ridicules Pak’s Mediation Push In Iran War, Pitches India‘Get Serious Before It’s Too Late’, Trump To Iran; Indian Govt Says ‘Have Enough Fuel For 2 Months’West Asia Conflict: PM Modi To Chair Key Meet With CMs To Review Preparedness, PlansIAF Seeks Ultra-Light High-Altitude Drones To Enhance Garud Commandos Capabilities | WatchHow Precision Rockets Are Changing Modern Warfare | Pinaka System Explained’India Is An Oasis Of Energy Security’: Govt Says No Fuel Shortage, Warns Against Misinformation’China And India Cannot Be Moved Apart’: Chinese Envoy’s BIG Message To Delhi, Urges Good TiesIndia-US Defence Partnership Enters New Phase With Focus On Co-Development And Technology Sharing123Photostories10 abandoned islands in the world no one dares to live on and the chilling reasons whyPM Narendra Modi loves Khichdi for regular meals: 5 traditional ways to add 20 gms more protein to the comfort mealFrom Instagram talaq to ‘Divorce’ perfume and rapper romance: Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra’s fearless reinvention as a single momAre situationships hurting your mental health?From Jameel Jamali to Ram Prasad and Ravi Choudhary; Rakesh Bedi’s memorable roles in BollywoodObjectum sexuality: 10 bizarre incidents where people “Married” objectsWhat men really want! 5 things husbands secretly wish from their wivesDurandhar 2’s Rakesh Bedi aka Jameel Jamali’s 5 memorable shows: From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Shrimaan ShrimatiWant puffed-up pooris every time? Chef Ranveer Brar reveals 2 simple tricks to follow5 versatile bikes that adapt to every terrain with precision123Hot PicksKaroline LeavitTristan da Cunha8th Pay CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingICE immigration courtsFIFA World Cup TrophyIndia-Bangladesh NewsIran war newsMLB Opening Day 2026US-Iran-War impactUS mortgage ratesNirav ModiUS citizenshipCOVID-19 fraud case

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Acknowledging widespread concerns over the adverse impact of social media on children, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday that it has become a major issue everywhere and time has come for all stakeholders to come together to build a consensus on how to deal with the challenge.At Times Now Summit, Vaishnaw, who…

Read More