Key points from article :
A recent study led by Monash University focused on the potential effects of daily low-dose aspirin use in healthy older adults. The study involved over 16,000 Australians aged 70 and above, with half of the participants taking 100 mg of aspirin daily, while the other half took a placebo. The trial spanned 4.6 years, allowing researchers to observe the long-term impacts of aspirin use on this age group.
The key finding was a nearly 10% increase in the likelihood of serious falls that required hospital care among those taking aspirin. These falls did not seem to be directly caused by aspirin, but its blood-thinning properties may have worsened injuries, making them more severe. However, the study found no significant increase in the risk of fractures between the aspirin and placebo groups.
This research raises important concerns about the common practice of prescribing aspirin to older adults without a clear medical need. Traditionally, aspirin has been recommended for heart health, but its use in older populations has become controversial due to potential risks. Jennifer Burns from the British Geriatrics Society highlighted that aspirin’s effects on blood clotting could lead to more dangerous outcomes from falls, suggesting that doctors should be cautious when prescribing it to older adults without cardiovascular risks.
The study was carried out in Australia and published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). It adds to growing evidence that the risks of daily aspirin in older adults may outweigh the benefits, especially for those without pre-existing heart conditions. As the population continues to age, this research emphasizes the need to carefully evaluate the long-term use of medications like aspirin in older adults.
