Older Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population and purchase almost 30 percent of OTC medicines sold in this country. Seniors tend to have more chronic health conditions and may take several different medicines, therefore making it more important for extra care when taking OTC medicines. CHPA has worked with many organizations representing seniors to develop educational materials for the older consumer.

• Aging and Health: The Role of Self-Medication
  Information on self-medication and seniors - usage, trends, costs, benefits and the importance of information.

• To Your Good Health: Advice for Older Adults about Medicines for Self-Care
  A booklet focusing on adults and older Americans and addressing drug interactions, tamper- and child-resistant packaging, reading the label, prescription-to-OTC switch and definitions of common OTC-related terms. Originally published in Reader's Digest.

• Nonprescription Medicines: Modern Medicines for Mature Americans
  This pamphlet developed with the National Council on the Aging www.ncoa.org covers key safety and education messages that older people must keep in mind when using OTC medicines.

• What Every Woman Should Know: A Special Guide to Nonprescription Medicines for Midlife and Older Women
  Developed by the Older Women's League with CHPA sponsorship, the pamphlet focuses on the proper use of OTC medicines for mid-life and older women.