The number of elderly is increasing in the developed part of the world. With increasing age the prevalence of many diseases will increase. This promotes high use of drugs. Pharmacotherapy can effectively cure, prevent or alleviate many conditions and improve quality of life but with aging there is an increased risk of drug-related problems. Older people are often excluded in trials, hence we often have limited knowledge regarding efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the elderly. Polypharmacy is common among elderly, which complicates pharmacotherapy since the risks of drug-drug interactions and adverse drug effects are increased. Many different professionals and sometimes different health care providers are involved in the care of elderly. Cooperation, documentation and communication have to be improved within the professions, between professions and with the patient.