Prevalence of chronic disease in the elderly based on a national pharmacy claims database

Abstract

SIR—The elderly are the fastest growing sector of society with those ≥70 years of age accounting for nearly 8% of the Irish population [1, 2]. Yet there is little or no baseline information on the prevalence of chronic disease in this population [3]. This lack of information on health trends can inhibit accurate predictions for future health care needs in this age group.