Lifestyle interventions and medication burden in older adults: insights from the Lifestyle Intervention and Independence for Elders (LIFE) and the Sarcopenia and Physical fRailty iN older people: multi-componenT Treatment strategies (SPRINTT) trials

Aim: To assess the impact of lifestyle interventions on use of medications for treatment of common chronic conditions in older adults. Findings: In two randomized clinical trials, lifestyle interventions based on physical activity alone (LIFE trial) or in combination with nutritional counselling/dietary intervention and information and communication technology (SPRINTT trial) did not reduce the use of cardiovascular, diabetes or mood and anxiety medications. In the SPRINTT trial, lifestyle intervention was associated with increased use of pain medications. This association was not observed in the LIFE trial. Message: Based on the results of secondary analyses from two RCTs, lifestyle interventions cannot be considered an effective strategy to reduce medication burden in older adults.