Updated Beers Criteria Introduces Safer Medication Alternatives for Older Adults

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has unveiled the latest update to the Beers Criteria, specifically the 'Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria.' This new resource is designed to assist healthcare providers in prescribing safer, more appropriate treatment options for the elderly population. Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, it builds upon the original Beers Criteria, which is widely regarded as a crucial reference for identifying potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.

This companion guide emphasizes nonpharmacologic options and alternative therapies, providing clinicians with evidence-based suggestions for replacing medications that may pose risks. The development involved an interdisciplinary team of experts across various clinical disciplines, ensuring the recommendations are comprehensive and tailored to common health scenarios in older adults.

The list includes safe, effective alternatives that can often be more suitable than older, potentially harmful medications, along with additional resources such as patient guides to facilitate implementation in clinical practice. Leaders within the AGS highlight that this tool aims to enhance personalized care by offering clear guidance on safer treatment pathways.

The initiative underscores AGS’s commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting safer prescribing practices among healthcare professionals caring for the aging population. This development is a valuable aid for clinicians striving to enhance the safety and quality of life for older patients.

For more details, refer to the original publication: M. A. Steinman, et al., 'Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria,' Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-beers-criteria-alternative-safer-older.html