Is it rare or unusual to be into your 50s and not having to take any doctor-prescribed medications?

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lazytiger40@reddit

No prescriptions. Also no insurance so no doctors either

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JustMeOttawa@reddit

If you don’t have insurance or doctors, how do you not know if you should or shouldn’t be on meds?

I’m from Canada and yes there are doctor shortages here but thankfully we don’t have to pay out of pocket to see a doctor, and if we need meds, they don’t bankrupt us (and most of us have supplementary coverage for prescriptions). I just can’t imagine never getting yearly checkups, bloodwork, etc. for things like cancer, heart, cholesterol, etc.

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lazytiger40@reddit

I don't know. But the OP was taking a poll of who was currently taking meds. I can confirm that I have stage 1 high blood pressure, very low levels of vitamin D, and my LDL cholestoral is a little high (I think that's the one..), but that was back when I briefly had insurance to get checked out some time ago. I cant afford insurance now due to living paycheck to paycheck, and even with what's left of Obamacare (ACA) I cant afford the copays (visits) and out of pocket costs. Could I have serious issues, yes. Can I do anything right now?, no. But I can't worry about that until I am able to. So I am doing what I can by watching my diet etc...

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JustMeOttawa@reddit

Why don’t citizens of the U.S. fight for a better healthcare system like many countries have? Your insurance for basic heath care should not be tied to your job. Only the rich, or those with insurance can get proper care which is nuts to me!!! Not being able to get basic health care is shocking to me still. The Canadian system isn’t perfect but I’ve never had an issue getting checked quickly by my doctor or at any emergency room if needed.

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lazytiger40@reddit

Many of us want to. But the insurance lobby is very influential in our politics (money they donate to campaigns etc .) and God forbid if someone or some company isn't getting their profits. Universal healthcare here would be a net benefit to all, and while the insurance companies wouldn't make as much profit as now, ...they would still make a profit nonetheless,.only smaller. Which to insurance and corporate entities is "losing money and we can't have that .. it's only losing money if they make zero (or less) profit. But you can't tell them that.

Coupled with fighting that, is that there is a built in fear of even going to the doctor in the first place (due to costs) even if we could afford visits etc, it takes one bad diagnosis, one accident, one fall at home, that could bankrupt us. I had went to the ER 6 months ago for dizziness and other issues and after a few hours (and missed time at work) they said it was dehydration and to stay home a few days. The bill was close to 15,000 USD and that's not counting the doctor bill which is a separate bill. No meds, just some tests and a pat on the head and sent home for 3 days.

If any change is to occur we have to tackle costs. Tech should be bringing that down but it isn't. Also the "sue happy" culture (litigation) which increases insurance coverage for the hospitals (which is trickled down to our bills) and needless tests and procedures are done for something mundane due to possibly missing something and the patient finds an excuse to sue and try to get money.

Universal healthcare here isn't just as easy as flipping a switch, so much has to be examined and taken apart systemically.

I am old Gen X, husband is last of the boomers, neither of us take prescription medications.

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davevr@reddit

I think it must be unusual, based on this experience I had a few years back:

When I was 52, I changed jobs and had to get a physical for new life insurance. They sent a nurse to my home who did an EKG, took some blood, etc. Then she asked me what medications I am taking. I told her I wasn't taking any. She clarified that this included drugs that my doctor had prescribed. I said yeah, I get that, I am not taking any. Then she further clarified that blood pressure medicine, cholesterol medication, blood thinners, etc. all counted. I was like yes, I know. I am not taking any. Then she said it included any anti-depressants, weight loss drugs, even ED drugs counted. At this point I was getting a bit upset, and emphasized that I was not taking any drugs at all. I don't even take vitamins.

She got very snippy then and said that if I have a medical event and it turns out that i didn't disclose that I was on a medication, they could use that to deny coverage, and did I really want to risk that?

After another curt denial, she clearly did not believe me at all. She just said "well, I would say it is VERY unusual that someone of your age is not taking ANY medication."

BTW, I am 57 now. Still not taking anything. I did switch to a zero card diet after pandemic weight gain.

On a side note, it is not just people our age. I was an assistant scout master for my son's boyscout troop back in the day, and whenever we would go on an overnight campout, any kids who had medication had to have their parent drop it off with us along with the dosage schedule. I could not believe how many kids are on drugs. It is crazy. Like - maybe 60-70%. Even crazier were the number of parents who would give us bottles of Ibuprofen or Tylenol and say "sometimes he wants one or two before bedtime, so go ahead if he asked". Or melatonin gummies. WTF???

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Las_Vegan@reddit

Not to brag, but I can make a smiley face with my morning pills.

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-Mint-Chip-@reddit

Seen once in a guest bathroom.

Yeah. It’s tough because at some point the risks that accompany high cholesterol are greater than the stigma (or whatever it is) of taking meds. This kicked in for me recently when one of my close relatives was diagnosed with early stage vascular dementia. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes play a role in dementia risk. He had all three. Oddly enough, he doesn’t take meds for any of those things anymore because everything stabilized after taking meds for a while. I resisted the statin talk for a long time, but now I’d rather take them than add to that risk.

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Ok-Writing9280@reddit

It could have been no drinking or smoking or drugs or sugar.

It could have been many things.

But those of us who have illnesses and conditions beyond our control will not be shamed. Those who enjoyed “vices” don’t deserve to be shamed either, tbh.

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disastrous_affect163@reddit

My personal experience is, none of us go to the doctor until it's an emergency, I know I didn't.🤷‍♂️

I'm 57 and the amount of medication I take is ridiculous. Totally too long of a story for this sub. But I'm amazed all of us don't have some sort of chronic health problems. Just being alive in the 70's has proven hazardous to our health.🤦‍♂️

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youngwilliam23@reddit

I take what I want for better living thought chemistry.

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NorthRaine67@reddit

Your genetics are a gift.

But your brother is an ass. Many heart patients have genetic issues (see Bob Harper’s story about his heart attack that almost killed him).

People with prefect medical histories also die of widow maker heart attacks, aneurysms, strokes…

Many of those medical emergencies come without prior warning signs. Many because they think they have prefect health.

There are genetic variations that are not picked up on routine PCP exams. Heart defeats, like a bicuspid heart valve, can be totally overlooked by a PCP. Blood clotting issues aren’t tested for until there is an event that makes someone look at your clotting score.

And some life long medications are not life saving. They are for quality of life: chronic migraine, POTS, chronic fatigue, anemia, hemochromatosis, PCOS, etc etc.

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Lumpy-Artist-6996@reddit

I agree completely with your post.

The brother is a judgemental booger. My mom's side of the family has a recessive gene for high cholesterol that killed most of the men in the family before 40 and the women after menopause. Statins have been a godsend for her. She also had congenital heart defects, so she sees her cardiologist and primary on the regular. She never smoked, drinks rarely, and follows a primarily Mediterranean diet.

I have two autoimmune diseases, and scripts. Without medication. I would be dead or suffering a much lower quality of life.

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NorthRaine67@reddit

Same. My genetic issues won’t kill me outright, but they are making me disabled.

100% agree with this take.

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PuzzleheadedBand8246@reddit

I'm 46 and take all the medication. I never touched alcohol, cigarettes, or any hard drugs and I was a nationally ranked athlete.

My husband (55), smoked cigs/weed, drank like a fish, and did a bunch of really questionable shit at a youth (photographic evidence exists) and only takes fiber gummies.

So my lifestyle plays a part too.

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KTD2000@reddit

Same here and proud of it. I'm 54 my spouse is 55. At work I feel like every other person's on some regimen. My mom and mother in law have their own medicine cabinets!

I mean, a lot of people take meds because they have to. I'm just happy it's not costing me money I don't have!

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Ricochetpinecone@reddit

You can do all of that and still get cancer so…enjoy that health while you can.

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Lucy1967@reddit

I'm 56, and the only thing I take is a Flintstones vitamin

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Ruenin@reddit

Almost 52 and I rarely go to the doctor for any reason. I haven't had a checkup in 6+ years, but aside from the standard aches and pains, I don't feel anything wrong or off. I'm also a vegetarian, so I'm really not concerned about the standard cancers for people our age. Tbh, I have no interest at all in committing all of my now and future funds to paying for medicines and doctor visits.

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PrimaryFriend7867@reddit

you should consider a colon cancer screening of some kind. it’s on the rise, esp in younger age groups. early it’s just a simple treatment—so in this case you won’t be spending all your money to save yourself from cancer.

KizerandJoJo@reddit

I had my thyroid surgically removed when I was 26. I had an ectopic pregnancy & while I was on the operating table I went into thyroid storm. I had no idea anything was wrong with my thyroid. Turns out I had Graves disease. I spent several weeks in ICU & had to be intubated & given several pints of blood.

I had a 3 year old son but wanted more children. They hoped for hashimotos & tried to maintain it for a year. No good so it needed to come out. They shut my thyroid down with medication & then gave me syntroid. They told me if I went into thyroid storm again, I only had a 20% chance of surviving. I woke up a while later, my thyroid was gone & I had survived. They also did some small plastic surgery on my scar & its only noticeable if I point it out.

One month later I was pregnant with my youngest son. I really didnt have a choice. My heart rate had been too high for years & I had some heart damage.

My brother simply said "THIS is what happens when you choose to never smoke, never do drugs, never drink alcohol, and never do anything stupid to your own body."

I smoked, did drugs, drank and did all sorts of stupid things in the name of fun.

No medications for me in my mid fifties. Plenty of stories to tell though.

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msmika@reddit

Yeah, plenty of people live totally clean/straight lives and get sick out of nowhere. My dad was extremely healthy and never drank/smoked but cancer still hit hard when he was 52 and he died a year later.

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Major-Education-6715@reddit

Our generation grew-up with vitamins as a normal daily thing. My parents gave us One-A-Day every morning at breakfast and if we slept-over at a friend's house, it was likely we'd get a Flintstones chewable vitamin!

We also grew-up with a social focus on physical exercise (gym membership, running 10Ks etc) and less of a fast-food upbringing. Supplements continue to definitely play a role in our GenX culture and most of us didn't smoke since it wasn't really cool anymore, right? Maybe all the fun dancing in the 80s stockpiled good health for our future?!! That's my thoughts and other than taking an HRT, am feeling fortunate to not need Rxs.

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Vioralarama@reddit

I've fought with my elderly mother's doctor about prescribing her a statin. I lost, she's on one.

ancientastronaut2@reddit

Yes, I think so. Congrats!

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PacRat48@reddit

Same. My dad will be 78 this year and he was temporarily on meds (2-3 years) but totally off them now. Mom takes nothing. My little bro and did take nothing.

Until Jan 1st 2024. I ended up in the ER for 3 day due to food poisoning. It was bad. Anyway when I got out I have a list of appointments to about 6 different doctors. And one was the local transplant center.

Turns out I needed a new liver and I had prostate cancer! My oncologist told me that the test the liver clinic had me do was what save my life. The found the very aggressive cancer just in time. Prostate is out and got a new liver installed 7 months ago!

Now I have about 5 different drugs I need to take and will probably take them the rest of my life.

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nurse1227@reddit

Somewhat unusual. I don’t take any. Partly good genes and partly stubbornness

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SilverAsparagus2985@reddit

I’m 47F and if I didn’t have allergy-induced asthma I would only take my vitamins and supplements. Having a healthy lifestyle is important to mitigate increased genetic factors.

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One-Hand-Rending@reddit

I have none either. The only thing I take is Zyrtec from March to June so I don’t sneeze my eyeballs out of my head.

I honestly don't think this is unusual in the UK. I'm on nothing I have been pre diabetic but control it with diet not meds . My husband has a script for glaucoma but nothing else. We both drink moderately and eat pretty normally . Omnivores. I've never smoked. H stopped in late 20s.

57F. I was on the path to needing all sorts of meds. I was obese. As a last ditch effort to lose weight, I started compound tirzepatide August 2024. I’ve since lost 85lbs and feel fabulous. Bloood pressure, A1C, blood work all in perfect range. Resting heart rate down in low 60’s. Inflammation gone.

I will microdose this stuff weekly for as long as I’m alive. So I guess to answer your question, I only take compound tirzepatide.

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MissAutoShow1969@reddit

And this drug kills your hunger and you eat one light healthy meal a day and exercise daily? Do you need this drug once you’ve hit your target weight?

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Leading-Amoeba-4172@reddit

Oh lord. Tell me you don’t understand obesity, glp-1’s and gip’s….without telling me.

It’s how you grew up eating.

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ElectricRing@reddit

It’s more likely genetics. Sure smoking and doing drugs can be bad for you, but it’s more of a statistics thing and sone people live long lives despite questionable life styles (Keith Richards, Ozzy Osborne, etc.) Exercise statistically also helps quite a bit, staying in a health weight range with minimal visceral fat around your organs, it’s once again increases you statistical odds of not having health issues.

You generally take prescription medications because you have sone reason to. I am (50M) in excellent shape and the only prescription medication I am currently taking is for gout. Everyone was shocked when I told them I had gout, because it’s associated with poor lifestyle. I’ve also had a number of physical injuries but I don’t take anything for those.

No idea about the statistics, but there are people on nothing, and then a lot of people have health issues after 40. It’s true lifestyle can catch up with you, but also there is a genetic component.

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MystressSeraph@reddit

I've had arthritis since my early 20s, and been treated for Depression since my late 20s (though fought for 12 years before diagnosis.) Also had Endo, and have Fibro., and just had a knee replacement, and been on HRT for 18-24 mnths. I turn 54 this month. I've been struggling with pain and illness since I was 13.

I've never smoked. I drink 'socially.' I've never taken a drug/medication I wasn't prescribed, in the precise dose recommended.

What 'life style' choices would have prevented any of my illnesses/conditions?

Luck (or lack of it) of the genetic draw has as much or little to do with it as 'clean living.'

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JustMeOttawa@reddit

I am on some meds (I’m 51f) but way less than my peers, I do have asthma puffers for mild asthma (so only use them very occasionally) and I am recently started taking progesterone to help with my hormones/perimenopause. Finally I am on Wegovy, I have always been a reasonably health fat girl, but have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - so Wegovy is helping me lose weight and helping also helping with my hormones/perimenopause.

Before starting taking these, I only had my puffers for the last 25 years of my life. (Didn’t develop asthma until I was around 25).

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gldngrlee@reddit

The only med I take is for thyroid and didn’t start it until 52. I count myself lucky considering I did do all the things I shouldn’t have. I just did my annual bloodwork and everything is good. I am more conscientious now (with age comes wisdom) regarding what I put in my body and I try to exercise regularly.

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HeyKrech@reddit

I've been on prescription meds since I was maybe 18. I've tried some less healthy habits but the only drug that has given me any kind of boost has been my adhd meds, started at diagnosis at 50.

One person in my family has lived past 85, and that was my childless great aunt who made it to 93. My dad is almost 84, and just finished radiation for his return of renal cancer, while he is also treating his COPD high blood pressure and probably other conditions I'm forgetting. We are all fairly active and eat quite healthy. Genetics play a huge part in what you do to keep yourself going. In any previous generation, my genetics would play out with my demise at about 70. I'm working to make that untrue in this life. I don't want to live forever but past 80 would be pretty sweet.

Meds help people with f'd genetics live longer.

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Primary_Balance3216@reddit

51 (me) and hubs (52). No meds except I take HRT.

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gregzywicki@reddit

I take some mental care meds and allergy meds. I didn’t do anything stupid (and one prevents that). Think about what you’re saying please.

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Minimum_Payment_3078@reddit

No . My mom lived to 92 and didn't take any medication. She also didn't have any colonoscopies , mammagrams her whole life . (I'm not telling people to do this ) I think a lot of it is great genes .

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dead_investigator@reddit

Medical examiner investigator here: good work! Usually people who take absolutely no meds are either living healthy lifestyles or tin foil hats.

My concern would be ya’ll jerking each other off regarding how healthy you are and not taking meds or refusing med compliance to maintain this micro culture you’ve created even when it’s warranted.

Also, people lie to their community about their health constantly especially men, so I take it all with a grain of salt.

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gregzywicki@reddit

But an over the counter grain

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goddamn2fa@reddit

Wait. We're supposed to jerk each other off for health?

I need to talk to my wife about this.

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cascas@reddit

If you walk a little, eat well, and don’t drink a six-pack of beer on a Thursday, oh and are very lucky in life, you’re basically fine.

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SamePhotographs@reddit

99% of the meds I take is for post Herpatic Neuralgia. Not sure any extra walking or dieting could fix that..

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bigjimnm@reddit

Well, I would have bragged about the same thing up until 51, when I suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke due to a ruptured (undiagnosed) brain aneurysm. I felt about the fittest in my life and felt the same as when I was 30. And, like you, I've never used drugs or smoked, although I did occasionally drink alcohol.

Nurse here. There is already a lot of stigma in our society about taking a daily prescription medication. Your brother is uneducated and his statement perpetuates stigma about pharmaceutical need. There was a time in history-a few decades ago where people actually believed you got cancer because you were a bad person or had done something wrong to deserve it. It led to a lot of people not pursuing treatment until it was too late.

I don’t like to use terms like “luck” when speaking about the field of medicine or health issues but yes, I would say simplistically if you’re not on a medication by the time you’re in your mid 50s it’s a lot of luck and certainly not always attributed to lifestyle. I’ve seen plenty of very healthy people develop cancer, have a heart attack, suffer from crippling depression, etc.

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Left-Nothing-3519@reddit

I have 2 brothers. The middle one is and always has been a health freak, triathlete, competitive mountain biker, etc. super clean eater. Nothing synthetic, everything home made (paleo stuff)-he was diagnosed with colon cancer @ 57. Surgery, chemo and he’s all clear now.

The oldest brother and I both have hereditary brain disorders. We are medicated for life. He was diagnosed late 20s, me mid 30s.

Now here we are. Construction completed, MIL died a natural death, the sequester lifted, I got my parent’s moved, don’t drink 3 manhattans every night, dropped 15 pounds and my therapy is working.

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heffalumpcheesecake@reddit

56 and no RX. I do drink, mostly wine moderately. I also exercise and am usually told when I go to the doctor that I'm the healthiest person they've seen recently. Of my siblings, one is dead the other two both have multiple health issues and RXs. One sibling has an autoimmune that requires some of the meds but both siblings do not live super healthy in terms of activity level and diet...so yeah...I think how you live has something to do with it.

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leesainmi@reddit

Just started hrt, but I take no necessary rx. Normal bloodwork, bp, etc.

I do think it’s not common as most of my friends in their 50s are on meds for all sorts of things.

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refinancemenow@reddit

Damn y’all making this 50 year old with a pill box feel like im held together by drugs and duct tape

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Any_Meeting_4082@reddit

Combo of luck, and lifestyle choices in my opinion. Perfectly healthy people drop dead. And people who smoke, drink, do drugs, etc live for what seems like forever.

Agree. OPs post os an odd flex.

Many people take meds for mental health. Doesn’t make them better or worse than anyone else and I hate the stigma around taking such meds.

If anything, the flex should be that someone is taking (or not taking) meds to the extent that they’re healthier for it!

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aztochicagogirl@reddit

None here yet.

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denbolula@reddit

I'm 52, drink, smoke and do drugs.

I'm not on any medication, do a semi physical job and feel pretty good.

I smoked, had my drug years, drank for many years, and I'm on an anti-depressant for anxiety. My brothers (all in their 60s) are on no meds except one for GERD.

We all have familial high cholesterol and our docs would like us on statins but nope.

We are all healthy weight etc.

My parents were on a blood pressure med each. But they died young (cancer)

If you’re Gen X (mid 40s to 60) then you’re probably perimenopausal. It can start from mid 30s.

HRT is beneficial in perimenopause and for the rest of your life. Oestrogen deprivation has a lot of long term side effects and affects your brain, bones, teeth, skin hair and nails, eyes, heart, urogenital system, mental health, etc etc etc.

Menopause is so much more than dry vagina, hot flashes and “being grumpy”.

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XelaNiba@reddit

Absolutely, I'm tail end (1980) and just about to start HRT. I'm pumped and wish I'd known to investigate sooner.

It's the first thing about this post that jumped out to me - sister in her 50s on no meds?! No HRT? OP needs to tell her and STAT.

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Ok-Writing9280@reddit

I’m so glad for you! I’m 1973 and have been on it for 7 years now since 45.

I had to get Invisalign to fix my teeth which had moved - apparently this is quite common in peri!

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XelaNiba@reddit

Whaaaatt?!

My teeth may move? Is there no end to the indignities?

on_my_way_back@reddit

I agree with your brother. I wish I had friends like him....

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voteblue18@reddit

gif

But seriously that’s great. Continue doing what you’re doing and don’t slack on your regular check ups.

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BeckieSueDalton@reddit

Congrats, you won the genetic lottery, whereas many of us didn't - even outside of drinking/smoking/drugs.

Feel about that as you will, just don't be an arsehole to anyone about it.

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ARWrangler24@reddit

I made it to 58 without taking any prescribed medication on a daily basis. Prostate cancer hit and now I only take 1 daily.

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lionbacker54@reddit

At 50, I was maxed out on two blood pressure meds. BP still high, and my doc was considering a third med.

I changed my diet and lifestyle. Lost weight by walking regularly and only eating meat once a day. Started playing hockey.

I am now 54. No meds for the past three years

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Fragrant-Hyena9522@reddit

I take allergy meds, over the counter. I drank way too much, and have been smoking pot since 1985, and I'm fat. Smoked cigarettes for less than 10 years, gave that up in the early 90s. My husband was on high blood pressure medicine. He lost weight and doesn't need the meds any more.

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ReasonableCost5934@reddit

No medications. Just weed.

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raymondspogo@reddit

My brother simply said "THIS is what happens when you choose to never smoke, never do drugs,

never drink alcohol, and never do anything stupid to your own body." Could he be right and it paid off?

☝🏼 "paid off" is subjective.

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sunshore13@reddit

I hung in until I turned 60. I take a 5 mg. statin for high cholesterol which is hereditary in my family. It started creeping up when I was in my 30’s. I workout, eat right, not overweight, eat right most days, blood sugar, etc. all good. Some things you just can’t help.

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VespaRed@reddit

59 years old, no meds, athletic until just now diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder this week. It’s all a roll of the dice.

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Careful-Blood-1560@reddit

I hate this topic, the assumption being if you’re on medication it’s somehow your fault.

My mom didn’t take anything doctor prescribed until her late 79’s when she got Alzheimer’s. She is 83 and only on anxiety meds for that.

My dad wasn’t on any meds until around 80.

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Iltempered1@reddit

I smoked cigarettes for over 30 years, drank alcohol for over 30 years and have been smoking THC since I was 12. In 2012 I got a prescription to hydrocodone for knee pain, but I stopped taking them 3 years ago. I'm 51 and take nothing, haven't been to the doctor in over 3 years. I did stop smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol over a decade ago, but I still vape THC. There's obviously a genetic element to it, else I think I'd be in far worse shape than I am.

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mvscribe@reddit

I have a prescription for sumatriptan (migraines 2-3 times a month), but that's it. Occasionally I'll need antibiotics for something. It freaks me out that my kids take more medications than I do.

I've never smoked, drank some when I was younger (not a huge amount) but don't at all now, only a bit of other recreational drugs. I'm also not significantly overweight, am physically active, and live in a place with clean air and water, all of which helps.

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Foamfollower_65@reddit

I did not take anything until 58.

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LittleMrsSwearsALot@reddit

A quick reminder that good health is mostly luck and genetics. Good habits help, but good genes trump good habits by far.

It’s not unusual, because so many people in their 50s don’t have medical insurance. So they don’t have doctors to prescribe them.

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Renmarkable@reddit

Can't imagine living like that :(

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Mr_Chicano@reddit

I take supplements and vitamins....but then again I have since my 30s

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Renmarkable@reddit

No. Its choosing parents with good genetics

Im late 50s, and both me and my 40 y o bro have serious hypertension

We've never smoked, drank etc not overweight.

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Potential-Bluejay-50@reddit

I never drank, smoke, or did drugs. But I have RA and have to take meds.

Age related or related to life choices - No.

Medications for chronic migraines and anxiety - yes. But those are issues I've had most of my life. AND are issues linked to pretty much every woman on both my mother's and father's side of the family.

Id say the lifestyle choices helped, but you likely also inherited some good jeans. We can’t assume everyone who has health issues abused their bodies. I had a close friend who never touched more than a glass of red wine die of kidney cancer in her 30s.

I’d bet it’s not as common nowadays. That’s great news that you don’t need to take any meds😊

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BatPlus3909@reddit

I'm in my mid 50s, and I take no prescription meds.

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Mundane_Ad7197@reddit

I turned 60 last week and have zero prescriptions. I see my doc every year to kick the tires he says I’m “medically boring” which works for me.

I have gout which I’ve managed thru diet and a couple of supplements; the further I’ve got from the “standard American diet” the better I’ve become. Gout was a plot twist. I’ve only had one full on outbreak, and believe me, that shit puts manners on ya in a hurry. I had been dealing with low grade what I thought was tendonitis for decades in my knees and ankles, turns out that was gout as well. I drank like a fish for a long time before getting sober; the full on outbreak happened 9 years after my last drink.

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thebprince@reddit

I'm 52, for at least 15 years I drank like an alcoholic and took every drug I could lay my hands on. I live a much less rock and roll lifestyle these days but I've been to a doctor 2 or 3 times in the past 30 years and they were all accident related. I also take zero medications.

You and your siblings are just genetically lucky.

My only prescription is for an Epi-pen that I carry around but hopefully will never have to use (honeybee sting allergy). Heart disease, diabetes, and addiction run in my family. I guess I am lucky to only have suffered from one of those three (in recovery since 1998).

Amazing what exercise can do for us!

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RetroBerner@reddit

Everyone is different. I partied with the "best" of them growing up, there wasn't a drug I wouldn't try at least once. I've also been smoking since I was 7, still regularly stay up past 3am, I eat like shit and don't exercise either. I am 47 and the only meds I am on are for psoriasis which I've had since infancy.

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Conscious-Bar-1655@reddit

I'm 55 and live free of prescribed drugs. I'm happy and I feel great.

Also I smoke and I drink. 👀

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throatpunchrr@reddit

I've lived a life... and at 52, no drugs yet . At least not the prescribed kind 🤪 and no cavities!

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Inkblots2000@reddit

I’ve never smoked, done drugs, etc. But we found a deadly congenital vascular issue when I was a pre-teen. Multiple surgeries, and medications since then.

I am, by nature of having chronic medical issues because I’m genetically sabotaged, a model, compliant patient as well.

Sand_Aggravating@reddit

Yall got lucky! My grandpa smoked luckys most of his life .... he was here 1 day then gone the next! No cancer or anything drawn out. I had a cousin that lost his mom to lung cancer and she nerver touched a cigarette! Sweetest lady the good lord ever built! Poor thing had it so long they had oxygen warnings on the front door! She did worry a lot about pretty much everything, maybe y'all are just more laid back?

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Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit

Unusual for sure. I'm 53 and currently on 7 different meds. I've been on at least one different med every year since I was 27. Id say you're extremely lucky.

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itaintme99@reddit

I’m almost 60 and take no meds whatsoever

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CaChica@reddit

My gramma smoked and drank beer for breakfast all her life. Lived until 94. No meds until 80s.

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AmerikanerinTX@reddit

Those things obviously play a factor, but so much is actually out of our control: genetics, environment, luck, gender.

Never smoked, drank, did drugs. I didnt even take so much as a Tylenol during 4 different childbirths. I ate relatively healthy: no fried foods, 30g of sugar or less per day, no red meat, 3-5 servings of fruits/vegetables. I swam 4 hours a week, average 15k steps a day. Maintained a 'healthy' bmi. No mental health issues, and a pretty zen personality.

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jollysnwflk@reddit

I think you probably have very good genes. I didn’t do any of those bad things either plus I was an athlete for years but I now have 3 (possibly 4) autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes and congenital hypertension (my brothers been on BP a meds since age 16…).

Of course envt plays a huge role too but the fact none of you have any issues screams clean genes also. You can still do everything right and need help with controlling your bodily systems as you age.

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Toasted_chef1965@reddit

61 and feeling all the effects of my youth. 13 meds. Better living thru chemistry.

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lucid_intent@reddit

And there’s nothing wrong with that!

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No-Deal-8622@reddit

Wow, you are all SO AWESOME

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lucid_intent@reddit

gif

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Effective-Ad-8744@reddit

Going on 51 this year. No prescriptions. Just vitamins and creatinine. Training for a half marathon this year plus multiple 5k races, backpacking and hiking trips. Keep active. Don’t smoke or vape. Moderation is key. Genetics help so don’t squander that gift if you’re so lucky.

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lucid_intent@reddit

I take allergy meds, anti anxiety meds and hrt. Nothing for being “old.”

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Regular-Selection-59@reddit

I mean you could drop dead tomorrow and me & my meds could live to 95 in relative health. Nothing is guaranteed. Meds can help us live a longer healthier life. There’s no gold star for not needing meds.

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juleeff@reddit

I don't take any medication, prescription or OTCs, other than a daily vitamin. My dad did start taking medication until he was 83. My mom is 86 and only was just prescribed something a couple months ago

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Grdngirl@reddit

You don’t even taking HRT? Vaginal estrogen or otherwise??

I’m 54 and that’s all I take. But it is a a long term Dr prescribed med.

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eastbaypluviophile@reddit

I take HRT and sleep meds.

Like someone else said, it’s luck, genetics and environment with a smattering of lifestyle.

My dad was a health nut/vegan/ mindfulness practitioner my whole life and he was dead of cancer at 70.

You just got good genes. Plain and simple.

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BawdyBaker@reddit

Almost 60 and not on one prescription 😊

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mcmoyer@reddit

I made it to 56.5 before I got prescribed Crestor. I was really hoping to get to 60

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Winterfrost15@reddit

Same, also at 56. Just started Crestor.

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Briaaanz@reddit

Good food, exercise, avoid alcohol and smoking... You'll look far younger than your peers and might outlive them (provided they don't run you over while drinking and driving).

I'm 56, take antihistamines during allergy season, but that's it. I guess i could take a statin for cholesterol, but my doc doesn't think it's necessary.

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Fun_Bit7398@reddit

I’m about to turn 53 and I don’t take prescriptions of any kind. I smoked for 18.5 years (quit 1/1/2015),drink occasionally, eat red meat. I’m not fat, nor feel tired, or anything like my contemporaries do. I eat what I want, sleep has been kinda cruddy my whole entire life (night owl). But I feel fine. I think western doctors overprescribe meds to the public for profit. Take them if you feel you need them. I just don’t personally at this stage in my life.

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Your brother is a self-righteous prick.

I never smoked. I never did drugs. Rarely drink. Don’t “do anything stupid” to my body (whatever the fuck that means).

And here I am, with prescription meds.

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Amen! This thread is full of smug superiority. Virtual hugs from another breast cancer survivor who's currently taking five meds for a variety of chronic illnesses/conditions even though I did "all the right things."

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Infamous-Round-1898@reddit

Totally agree! Our ancestors would be amazed at what modern medicine does and I’m very grateful to have access to it!

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AZJHawk@reddit

I live a pretty healthy lifestyle. I have hypertension, just like my otherwise healthy 80 year old dad. I fought going on blood pressure meds for a decade. I went on a low sodium diet, I exercised regularly, I hydrated, I ate well. Nothing worked. I went on blood pressure meds and it went down immediately. Sometimes you just get a certain hand dealt to you.

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peridot7@reddit

Based on my past work experience in chiropractic offices, yes it is sadly unusual to have people in their 50s who don't come with a long list of prescription medications.

Your brother isn't entirely correct though, and I can see why some are annoyed by the way your question was posed.

I know of people with lung cancer who never smoked anything. Yet, look how long George Burns lived.

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wwJones@reddit

I'm 53 and not on a single med. I also drink, smoke & tried most of the drugs. I'm also fit & eat well.

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Haha. It's weird, yes, that I'm remarkably healthy. Diet & exercise, get good sleep. But yes, I smoke.

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Digi_Rad@reddit

Not trying to give you a hard time, just curious. Thanks for sharing.

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wwJones@reddit

Yeah, sorry. No offense taken. I've just gotten flack from people when I tell them I work out and also smoke. I get it. It's dumb to smoke. But it's good to work out.

"You swam 20 laps today? But you're a smoker!?"

I don't think you're as rare as your dr thinks. the last time I needed antibiotics for illness was around 1998, for strep. dmards to control rheumatoid arthritis for about six years, but that seemed to burn itself out, through no - and I want to stress this - particular virtue or specialness of my own.

everyday meds didn't come back into my life until my late 50's, for graves' disease and a cholesterol increase that no amount of virtuous living has done much more than slow down.

I’d say that’s luck rather than clean living.

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shinynugget@reddit

Kidney donor. No scripts. Sleep. Exercise. Eat right. Keep it simple.

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Dry_Transition4134@reddit

56 (69), no script. Weed and alcohol since 14(?) but i eat whole foods and have kept my body moving since my 20’s.

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Murky_Possibility_68@reddit

Not being born with chronic illness must help. I cannot imagine not needing allergy pills.

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100dalmations@reddit

My first Rx for the rest of my life meds (statin) started at 57. (Luckily I was swimming a lot by then and noticed some weirdness in my breathing which after a bit of testing led to a much needed stent).

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babs82222@reddit

I don't have any health problems or do stupid things to my body, but my body gives me migraines and has since I was a kid, so the only med I take is a migraine preventative. And I went on HRT by choice to prevent detrimental things as I age.

Nothing for blood pressure, cholesterol, or anything like that.

I do think it's pretty rare.

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effdubbs@reddit

I take a synthroid for my thyroid-autoimmune thyroiditis. Other than that, nothing. None of my siblings take anything either. There’s 6 of us. Of course, none of us smoke and none are heavy drinkers. I think it’s both genetic and lifestyle.

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doglady1342@reddit

Genetics are a huge factor. The only thing I take (which is totally optional) are progestin birth control pills to stop my periods. It's for my convenience because my husband and I travel a lot. You think this shit would stop by 56 years old, but at least there's a non-surgical oprion.

Ok_Web_8166@reddit

You must have good genes!

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cianne_marie@reddit

I also feel like a teenager inside, but I'm on six medications and six supplements and have been on most of them for years. I did not get the winning ticket to the genetic lottery.

(I never smoked, I drink socially and rarely, and I toyed with substances a handful of times. Don't feel like I deserved this 😂)

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Randomwhitelady2@reddit

I don’t take any prescribed meds either. I broke my leg recently and had to have surgery and my surgeon was very surprised to hear this. My husband doesn’t take any meds either. We are both reasonably fit but it’s not like we go to the gym and work out, ever.

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NihilsitcTruth@reddit

Only have one and its cholesterol meds but I scored normal my wife insisted my doc suggested it would be preventative. Other wise nothing

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SirLanceNotsomuch@reddit

I’m on nothing, and neither is my older sister: except she has been on HRT for some years. But I don’t feel like that counts as a “health history issue” i. the way cholesterol or blood pressure does.

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Potential_Lie_1177@reddit

Same for my family, no need for recurrent medications. Same for my spouse.

We did not always have time or the energy to do so but we now exercise more regularly now that kids are taking less of our time. I also lost 15 pounds to put my bmi back in the middle of the range of normal, cut back on meat, alcohol and almost no added sugar. Hopefully our good health streak will extend another decade or two, I will avoid osteoporosis and my spouse will avoid heart diseases that run in our family.

A few of our friends who seemed healthy died or barely survived heart malfunctions, stroke, colon cancer, breast cancer, diabetes with no family antecedents, so part of bad health is also due to luck.

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PitoChueco@reddit

I will gladly take my low dose blood pressure pill as long as I can indulge in some of my vices.

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herewer4now@reddit

Its not unusual

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Vprbite@reddit

Im a firefighter/paramedic and no, not unusual. But I wish it were more common.

It's funny you say that. I gained 30 effing pounds with menopause and all of my biomarkers went a little wonky. I was on my first prescription etc. I managed to lose the 30 effing pounds, and got off the one prescription. Then was diagnosed with a genetic clotting disorder so now I'm on blood thinners for life.

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Shhhhh....you are NOT supposed to say that stuff out loud much less post it on the internet. I was in same position. Bragging to everyone when I was turning 55 that I wasn't on any prescriptions for anything! Then began all of the troubles. I would delete the post immediately.

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RoughRollingStoner@reddit

You sound genetically lucky. Your sister might want to look into HRT though.

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Human_Evidence_1887@reddit

I’ve seen a lot of benefit from HRT. My sisters (no HRT) have osteopenia, I don’t.

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Thick_Book_6233@reddit

My wife could use hrt but it’s not recommended bc of her cancer history already and family history. Melanoma cut out 3x. 1 area twice. Hysterectomy and already has lumps on her breast

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I can't say what's common. We are in our 50s. For me, I only take HRT. My husband takes a cholesterol medication. We both take OTC vitamins and supplements.

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IMTrick@reddit

I didn't start taking anything until just before 50. Like a lot of people, I inherited some issues that required some maintenance at that point.

I'd have much preferred to be like what I'd assume is the majority of people who don't have to do that, but I didn't really have much say in my family history.

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isolde_78@reddit

I’m 50, no meds. I take magnesium at night.

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thagor5@reddit

No prescriptions. I change what I eat if health problems

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kelllibrarygal@reddit

I’m 51, my husband is 69. Neither of us are.

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IDunnoNuthinMr@reddit

57M. No medications. I take a daily vitamins and a near nightly PM. Had a physical with blood work today and all is good. I need to exercise more and ear less sugar. Yada. Yada. Yada. They've been telling me that for 20 years.

No, you're not alone. You're just as rare as the rest of us.

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allaboutthismoment@reddit

58, no meds, just multivitamins and melatonin. Okay, and gummies.

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Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit

I’ll be 54 in a few weeks (72) and I’m not on any medications. I do work at it though. I eat right, hit the gym religiously, have a physical job, etc.

Not on any yet, but might need BP meds.

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GrouchyOldRN@reddit

I’m 60 and only prescription is a nightly sleeping pill. I credit my animal based keto diet.

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MidwestAbe@reddit

Zero.

Zero supplements. Zero vitamins.

Genetics definitely play a part.
Like my teeth are surprisingly strong, same with both my older brothers.
But my husband's family are in dentures pretty early.

Of course how you treat your body matters, but some people who have taken great care of themselves get cancer, drop dead of heart attacks, end up on blood pressure meds, etc.

Im 41 and am pretty sure he will outlive me.

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sdavids5670@reddit

I should probably rephrase what I wrote. I’d say that more than 1/2 of people will start or should have started at least one medication at some point in their 50s. There are a lot of people walking around with high blood pressure or elevated A1C who would benefit from earlier intervention than they will end up getting (delayed to their detriment).

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BrilliantDishevelled@reddit

I just started taking daily meds at 59.

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kuritsakip@reddit

because majority of the "old age" medication are for lifestyle diseases. the sedentary life contributes to that. this article has data on the US rates for chronic diseases. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12007472/

i'm in asia and we used to live a pretty active life. but the pandemic derailed all that. my husband was partially WFH since 2016. after the pandemic, he really did not wanna go back to the office and now only has one physical office day. he used to walk close to 3km daily simply to take public transport to work plus six flights of stairs to his 3rd floor office. that's all the exercise he needed. just three years of the sedentary life and he's been put on high cholesterol meds and blood pressure meds.

starting the pandemic, i also began working from home more. but i take a daily walk with my daughter for around 2km every evening. i'm still off meds but have a slightly elevated blood sugar rate, to be managed by changing food choices.

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Good for you! I don't want to say that you're lucky, but that was the first thought I had. Seriously though, good for you all.

I've been taking thyroid medication since I was 18. Blood pressure meds since my 20s (thanks, Dad, I would have preferred to have your green eyes).

I take a slew of different medications to stay alive now, but I was prescribed most of them when I was in my 30s and 40s. I never smoked, rarely drank, didn't do drugs. The only "stupid" things I did to my body was as a marathon cycler. I trained a lot. That along with the hereditary arthritis and other "-itis" issues have not been kind. I had my left knee replaced when I was 39 and my right knee at 46.

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acanis73@reddit

52 and started this year with BP. No biggie.

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New_Sun6390@reddit

My partner and I are past our mid-60s. Neither of us takes prescription meds. A lot of our friends are on meds for high BP, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, what have you.

I’ve drank, a lot. Eaten like shit. No pills. My spouse is about as cleaning living as you can be, has a pill caddy for morning and night.

It’s nature and nurture.

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Darury@reddit

Based on my last physical, I'm reasonably healthy for an overweight old guy. I know I need to lose weight but other than that, my BP is good, my cholesterol is good, etc. I'm a former smoker, but other than that, never a big drinker, never did drugs, etc.

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