As we age, we have more health issues to worry about. Bones, joints, muscles and organs have to work a little harder as time passes, and doctors’ visits become more frequent. Even if we strive to live a healthy lifestyle, there are still some things we just can’t avoid. And along with the extra time and energy we have to spend to ensure our good health, we’re faced with extra costs.

Seniors spend far more on doctors’ visits and surgeries than their younger counterparts. In 2010, total spending for prescription drugs in the United States hit almost $260 billion, and senior account for the majority of that total. The most recent statistics show that more than 40 percent of people 65 or older take at least five medications daily.

In addition, between 2005 and 2009, the prices for drugs used most by people 50 or older rose almost 26 percent.

All these costs come on top of the Medicare prescription-drug program (Part D) “doughnut hole” — a gap that formed because of insurance drug coverage ceasing after a certain benefit amount and not picking up until beneficiaries spend a specific amount, in the thousands of dollars, out of pocket. This gap is being filled in through gradually increasing discounts on both name-brand and generic drugs. But until it closes completely in 2020, many seniors who rely on prescription medications to make their lives manageable struggle to make ends meet.

Monthly costs of some name-brand drugs can reach hundreds of dollars. Here are estimates for individuals without insurance:

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

• Pradaxa: $250
• Xarelto: $250

Type 2 Diabetes Drugs

• Actos: $245-$420
• Bydureon: $323
• Victoza: $500

Osteoporosis Drugs

• Fosamax: $95
• Boniva: $111
• Actonel: $119

Dementia Drugs

• Aricept: $309-$363
• Namenda: $266-$489
• Exelon: $316

Saving Money

Since it’s not always possible to avoid taking a specific drug, here are a few guidelines to help save you money on prescription medications:

1. Take care of yourself. If you’re on a drug that you may be able to stop taking by eating healthier and exercising, take those steps for a better quality of life and a thicker wallet.
2. Work with your physician to see if it’s OK to choose a generic version of a drug whenever possible. For example, monthly costs for generic forms of Fosamax (alendronate) come in around $71, generic versions of Actos (pioglitazone) range from $176 to $296, and generics of Aricept (donepezil) range from $203 to $240.
3. Don’t buy drugs that have known serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about an alternative, since these drugs can cause problems that cost even more to treat.
4. Depending on your income, you may qualify for certain drug-manufacturer or state-funded discount programs.
5. Order prescriptions through the mail, and have your doctor write them for 90 days whenever possible. It is often the least expensive route.
6. Shop around for insurance carriers. You may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.
7. Continue taking medications until the prescribed end date, even if you feel better earlier; doing otherwise can cause your condition to worsen, which equates to more health care costs.

Always remember to talk to your doctor about your options. It’s OK to ask for the lowest-priced medication option available, as long as it’s safe and your doctor feels comfortable prescribing it. You can talk to your pharmacist about your options, too.

Jen Juneau, the guest blogger for this article, writes for Drugwatch.com. She is proud to educate others on the adverse effects of dangerous drugs and medical devices, and feels enriched in helping them make the right decisions.