Study: OD deaths among older adults quadrupled over past 20 years

Overdose fatalities among older Americans quadrupled over the past two decades, a new study found (Source: “Overdose deaths of older Americans quadrupled in past 20 years,” Washington Post, April 17).

According to research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, the rate of fatal overdoses for U.S. residents 65 and older rose from 3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2002 to 12 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers reported data that indicates 83% were accidental, 13% were intentional (suicide), 4% were undetermined and 0.07% (five deaths) were homicides.

The study’s most recent data showed that 57% involved an opioid, 39% involved a stimulant and 18% involved both. Of unintentional overdoses, 74% stemmed from illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine or methamphetamines. But 68% of intentional overdoses involved prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics and opioids.