In communities across the nation, the closure of local drugstores has left a significant gap, particularly affecting older adults who rely on pharmacies not only for medication but also for advice and support. As the number of these pharmacies dwindles, older individuals, who are more likely to take multiple medications, are left navigating what has become known as “pharmacy deserts.”
Pharmacy deserts refer to areas where access to a nearby pharmacy has become scarce. This issue has grown more pronounced in rural and low-income urban areas, where the departure of chain drugstores has left a vacuum. For older adults, this is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a threat to their health and well-being.
Older adults typically take more medications than younger individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9 in 10 adults over 65 take at least one prescription drug, and over half take at least three. This population depends on pharmacies to ensure they receive the correct medications, manage refills, and gain access to expert advice. For many, pharmacists are often their most trusted health care resource, offering vital consultations on medication management, drug interactions, and general health inquiries.
With the closure of local drugstores, older adults are left with fewer options for meeting these needs. Many are forced to travel longer distances to reach the nearest pharmacy, which may not always be feasible, especially for those with mobility issues or limited access to transportation. Additionally, the closures can lead to increased prescription errors and missed doses, which can result in more severe health issues, hospitalizations, and even a decrease in quality of life.
Pharmacy deserts disproportionately affect communities that are already underserved by healthcare resources. The lack of nearby pharmacies means that older adults must often rely on mail-order pharmacies or large chains that may not provide the personalized care that smaller, local drugstores offer. While mail-order services have grown in popularity, they can’t replace the face-to-face interaction and ongoing relationship that seniors often need with a pharmacist.
The effects are not just limited to medication access. Pharmacies are also hubs for vital health services like flu shots, blood pressure monitoring, and diabetes management programs. Many older adults rely on these services to manage chronic conditions. As pharmacies close, these services become less accessible, contributing to a broader public health challenge.
What can be done to address the rise of pharmacy deserts? Community leaders and policymakers need to take action to ensure that older adults and other vulnerable populations have continued access to essential pharmacy services. Solutions might include offering financial incentives for pharmacies to open or remain in underserved areas or increasing funding for mobile pharmacies that can reach individuals who might otherwise go without care.
Additionally, the expansion of telepharmacy services is a potential lifeline. Telepharmacy allows pharmacists to provide consultations and medication management remotely, offering support to those who may have difficulty traveling. However, it’s essential that these services be accessible to all, especially for those without internet access or the technological know-how to navigate them.
In the face of these challenges, it’s clear that we must reimagine how to provide care for our aging population. While the closures of local drugstores are a sign of larger economic and social shifts, they should not be allowed to further isolate and endanger older adults. Ensuring that every individual, regardless of where they live, has access to the medications and advice they need is a responsibility that should be shared by communities, pharmacies, and policymakers alike. Only then can we ensure a healthier future for all.
