Gransnet forums

Everyday Ageism

Instructions on cough medicine

(13 Posts)
Grammaretto Wed 10-Apr-24 11:04:30

The over-the-counter cough medicine I have been taking recommends up to 4 teaspoons a day for adults, the elderly and children over 12.
Well really!
When did I stop being an adult?

Theexwife Wed 10-Apr-24 11:40:07

Aging causes a reduction in the function of liver, kidneys, heart etc so medication dosages are often different to that of a younger person.

Grammaretto Wed 10-Apr-24 11:51:34

Ofcourse that's fairly obvious but couldn't they have written older adults?

Georgesgran Wed 10-Apr-24 11:59:25

I quite like ‘Seniors’ but it could have been worse! How about The Aged! 😱

ferry23 Wed 10-Apr-24 12:03:26

I don't understand why they have to refer to older people - in any guise- at all. Once you're over 18 you're an adult for ever, it doesn't change just because you get older!

Reminds me of the old "fat weighs more than muscles" hmm

Theexwife Wed 10-Apr-24 12:06:01

To me older adults would be the 40-50 age group, we all have our own thoughts about when someone is an older adult.

I see it as:
0-18 child
18-40 adult
40-50 older adult or middleaged
50-70 older person
70+ elderly.

Grammaretto Wed 10-Apr-24 12:08:51

I'm officially elderly but still an adult.

Grammaretto Wed 10-Apr-24 12:12:04

According to your chart Theexwife 2 of my DC are older adults and one an older person!

RunaroundSue Wed 10-Apr-24 12:14:55

It would have been easier to state up to four teaspoons a day for over 12's.

Mrsluckhurst Wed 10-Apr-24 15:45:17

If the dose is different for older adults then it makes sense to separate them but if it's the same, no need really. As others have pointed out, we're still adults.

OldFrill Wed 10-Apr-24 16:25:56

For many reasons elderly (65+) may need a lower dose to younger adults. Knowing this many would query a medication that didn't state a dose for elderly adults, so it's good practice to state the dose for the elderly even if it's the same as the adult dose.

NanaTuesday Wed 10-Apr-24 16:27:54

Theexwife

To me older adults would be the 40-50 age group, we all have our own thoughts about when someone is an older adult.

I see it as:
0-18 child
18-40 adult
40-50 older adult or middleaged
50-70 older person
70+ elderly.

Well that clearly defines my family
My DC being Older Adults - Middle Aged
DH as Older Person
Myself Elderly

Unsure why anyone thought it necessary to add these to our advancing years 🤣🤣

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 10-Apr-24 16:56:11

If the dosage of some medicines is smaller for older people (whatever that means), it is surely reassuring that any person over 12 can safely be given the same dose of this medicine? Better to know than not, and thereby perhaps administer too small a dose to be effective.