OSU Extension partners with Generation Rx to promote medication safety among Ohio’s older adults

COLUMBUS, Ohio - For many older adults in Ohio, navigating the complexities of prescription medications can be a daily challenge. Thanks to a partnership between The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the university's College of Pharmacy, vital education is helping older Ohioans safely manage their medications and live healthier lives.

Through Ohio State University Extension, CFAES' outreach arm, educators are delivering Generation Rx programming to communities across the state, providing critical resources and tools to prevent medication misuse among older adults. The program was established in 2007 at the College of Pharmacy to teach safe medication-taking practices across the lifespan.

The results have been transformative.

"We know that older adults are managing chronic diseases and taking multiple medications," said Pat Bebo, assistant director, family and consumer sciences, OSU Extension. "By working with the College of Pharmacy to bring the Generation Rx program into communities, OSU Extension is helping these individuals improve their health, safety, and overall quality of life."

Older adults are among the most frequent users of prescription medications, putting them at higher risk for improper use, whether from incorrect dosing, unsafe storage, or unintentional sharing. With these challenges in mind, the program Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit (GROAT) was designed to educate participants about safe medication practices.

Partnering with OSU Extension expanded the program's reach, enabling educators to deliver the curriculum through presentations, hands-on activities, and community resources such as medication record forms. In 2022 alone, OSU Extension educators conducted 56 sessions across 12 counties, reaching over 843 participants.

"In Wood County, one of our key activities was a medication safety trivia game, which made learning fun and interactive for older adults," said Susan Zies, an OSU Extension educator. "Programs like these not only educate, but also foster a sense of connection and community."

Data collected through pre- and post-program surveys highlights the program's success:

• Before the program, only 11% of participants stored medications in locked locations. Afterward, 87% intended to do so within 30 days.
• Fewer than half of participants (48.5%) initially reported asking their pharmacist about potential drug interactions when using over-the-counter products. After the program, that number surged to 92%.
• Participants' intentions to dispose of unused medications increased significantly, with 89% pledging to properly discard unnecessary prescriptions after attending.

These shifts in behavior represent a significant step toward reducing medication misuse and promoting safer communities.

This initiative aligns with CFAES' mission to improve the lives of Ohioans through research, education, and community engagement. From enhancing food security to supporting mental and physical health, OSU Extension's work reflects the CFAES purpose: "We sustain life."

"Programs like Generation Rx fit perfectly within our mission to ensure that Ohioans live stable, productive lives," Bebo said. "This partnership demonstrates how CFAES, through OSU Extension, can amplify the impact of evidence-based programs by bringing them directly to the people who need them most."

Beyond individual participants, the program's ripple effects are far-reaching. Survey results revealed that 84.9% of attendees intended to share what they learned with family, friends, or other community members, spreading the message of medication safety even further.

"Many older adults told us they didn't realize the risks of keeping unused medications or sharing prescriptions with family members," Zies said. "Hearing their stories reinforced the importance of this work and its potential to improve public health."

As Ohio's population continues to age, the need for programs such as Generation Rx will only grow. CFAES remains committed to expanding this vital education, ensuring that older adults have the knowledge and tools to advocate for their health and safety.

"By combining research, expertise, and trusted community relationships, OSU Extension is empowering older adults to make informed decisions about their health," Bebo said. "Together, we're building healthier futures for families and communities across Ohio."

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