One’s ability to deal with the issues of life in an effective, if not pleasurable or satisfying manner.
A person’s ability to successfully work, to sustain meaningful loving interpersonal relationships, to take pleasure from life, to contribute to a higher good and the well being of self and others to sustaining ones own sense of self worth.
Older adults use 1.5 billion or 30% percent of all prescription drugs and 40% percent of all over-the-counter drugs (US Food and Drug Administration, 2004).
Estimates vary of average number of medications older adults take each day – up to 20 or more.
Over the Counter Drug Usage of Older Adults – OTC
87% of older individuals (mean age 745 years) reported regular use of at least one OTC medication.
57% reported taking five or more OTC medications daily.
Prescription medication misuse is the most common form of drug abuse among older adults
Drug misuse is the under-use, overuse, or erratic use of medications
17% abuse alcohol and drugs:
Alcohol continues to be the leading cause of addiction in older adults
It is estimated that 25 million older adults have problems related to alcohol
Rates for hospitalizations due to alcohol-related problems among older adults are similar to those for heart attacks.
Less than 2% of alcohol or drug treatment admissions in 1997 were for persons 55 and older
Studies show that half of all tranquilizer prescriptions for older adults were inappropriate
Signs of Possible Alcohol Misuse or Abuse in Older Adults
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Confusion or disorientation.
Malnutrition.
Poor hygiene.
Neglecting one`s appearance.
Slurred speech.
Incontinence.
Difficulty urinating.
Tremors.
Shakiness.
Frequent falls and bruising.
Physical effects of alcohol.
Drink to “calm my nerves,” forget worries, or reduce depression.
Lose interest in food.
Gulp drinks down fast.
Lie or try to hide drinking habits.
Drink alone more often.
Hurts self, or someone else, while drinking.
Were drunk more than three or four times last year.
Need more alcohol to get "high."
Feel irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when not drinking.
Have medical, social, or financial problems caused by drinking.
Effects of Alcohol Misuse
Because alcohol affects alertness, judgment, coordination, and reaction time, drinking increases the risk of falls and accidents.
Takes less alcohol to affect older people.
Over time, heavy drinking permanently damages the brain and central nervous system, as well as the liver, heart, kidneys, and stomach.
Alcohol`s effects can make some medical problems hard to diagnose For example, alcohol causes changes in the heart and blood vessels that can dull pain that might be a warning sign of a heart attack.
May cause forgetfulness and confusion, which can seem like Alzheimer`s disease.
Older persons who abuse alcohol are also more likely to be malnourished.
These symptoms can also be caused by other medical problems.
Mental exercises to keep the brain strong and flexible such as reading; crossword puzzles to build vocabulary; jigsaw puzzles; games; mental puzzles/quizzes; crafts; writing journals; discussions with others.
Hobbies.
Social and civic clubs.
Continuing education (through cities, community colleges, etc):
Reviewed by Tarrant Council Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Sources:
As sited in the body of the module.
Caregiver Education, Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas, Dallas County, and Tarrant County
Permission is granted to duplicate any and all parts of this program to use in education programs supporting family members caring for elders.
This program is one module of a comprehensive caregiver education program. Go to our site map & links page for more information about family caregiving topics.
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