Should nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) be prescribed to the older adult?

The prevalence of chronic pain increases with age, exceeding 50% in individuals aged ≥65 years. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a mainstay of chronic pain management but carry significant dose-related risks of cardiovascular, renal, haematological and other systemic adverse events (AEs). Older patients have an increased risk of these AEs and are more likely to take multiple medications that can potentially interact with NSAIDs.