How does aging affect drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion?

The nurse is completing the admission assessment for a patient scheduled for cataract surgery in the outpatient center. Because the patient is over the age of 70 and has several chronic conditions, including hypertension and congestive heart failure, the nurse focuses on completing a thorough medication history.

1. What questions should the nurse include in the medication history?
2. The patient states that she stopped taking one of her medications due to cost, since her health insurance would not reimburse for the medication. What are other reasons that older adults may be noncompliant with ordered medications?
3. How does aging affect drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion?