New research from the University of Toronto suggests the long list of prescription medications being taken by the elderly may make them more likely to end up in hospital.
The research looked at health data for Ontarians 65 and older and found the risk of a hospital visit increased by two to four percent with each medication added.
The study's authors say doctors' prescribing habits need to be monitored more closely.
Experts not involved in the research tell the National Post that it's a serious issue but also a complex one because it's important not to under-treat patients.