BOOMERS MATTER –
Dec. 2, 2022 – Most people don’t think about grandma or grandpa having an addiction problem. Most of the concern and lament over the SUD epidemic centers around young people and lives lost “too soon” to overdose. But the reality is, anyone lost to addiction or overdose is lost too soon, and we must ensure every person—regardless of age—has the resources they need to get well and live their best, healthiest life as long as possible.
Unfortunately, we’re failing our seniors when it comes to SUD. Nearly 1.1 million Medicare beneficiaries are diagnosed with opioid use disorder, and last year 50,400 Medicare Part D beneficiaries overdosed on opioids. That’s in addition to alcohol, which is the most frequently reported substance of abuse for those aged 65 and older, especially among older women.
