Buzz
On average, Americans take about 12 prescription medications. While this is mostly driven by older individuals with extensive pill regimens, many people are prescribed a daily medication. Yet, as a whole, we’re not great at keeping up with it. A study found that 50 percent of Americans fail to stick to their prescribed medication routine, often missing doses or forgetting their meds altogether.
Ironically, the very methods we use to try to remember are often the problem. Many of us rely on gadgets, apps, and other tech tools to aid our forgetful minds, but these solutions often fall short. The best way to ensure you never miss a dose? Completely unplugged—no technology needed.
Reminder apps often fail to deliver
There are plenty of tech tools out there meant to help you remember your medications. From smartphone apps that send you reminders, to advanced pill box systems that talk to you, and even smart pill dispensers that manage both reminders and dispensing, it sure feels like living in the future, doesn’t it?
The problem is, these tools simply don’t work. Research shows that using medication reminder devices has no real impact on medication adherence—that’s right, none. One reason could be that these reminders just serve as a reminder of our illness, or of the fact that we’re no longer as young as we used to be, which only makes us less likely to take our meds. Another possibility is that we get used to these reminders, much like how we can sleep through our alarm clock multiple times a week.
The secret is habit stacking
So, if technology isn’t the answer to ensuring we take our life-saving medications, what is? The simple answer: habit stacking.
By now, you’ve likely already built a solid routine of healthy habits. You brush your teeth, shower, prepare meals, and maybe have a regular time for exercise. These activities are so ingrained that when you travel, you feel unsettled until you figure out how to fit in your workout. These are things you don’t need reminders for—they’ve become an automatic part of your daily life.
The trick is to ‘piggyback’ a new medication onto an existing routine. For example, taking your pill just before you brush your teeth links the two actions. Before long, you won’t need to think twice about it—you’ll automatically take your pill as part of your morning routine by the bathroom sink. You can attach any medication to a daily habit. If you need to take your meds with lunch, simply placing the bottle in the kitchen or your lunch bag could be enough to remind you.
It might take some time for the new habit to stick (there’s no magic number for how long it takes—just keep at it until it becomes second nature), but pairing it with something you already do regularly will make the process smoother. The key is choosing habits that align with your medication schedule, including the timing, whether your meds need to be taken with food, and other factors.
One thing’s certain: The longer you live, the more pills you’ll end up taking. Learning how to remind yourself now will save you a lot of trouble down the road, when your breakfast consists of more pills than food.
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