[Drug consumption in a retired population]

Drug consumption has been studied in a population of 187 retired people, the average age being 66.5 years. The retired subjects are great drug consumers: 89% regularly take one (or several) drug(s). The central nervous system drugs are the most used (52%). Those of cardiovascular system are used by 46% of subjects. Females take more anxiolytic drugs and paracetamol than males who use more calcium channel blockers. Polymedication is usual and in opposition to working population, retired people are less addicted to self medication.