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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lisa C. Patton, PhD and Dianne McElroy, MA. Westat, 1650 Research Boulevard, RA 1154, Rockville, MD 20850, (301)517-4093, lisapatton@westat.com

Estimates suggest that adults, age 50 or older, with substance abuse disorders will double during the next two decades. At the same time, people over age 65 with mental health disorders will increase from 7 million in the year 2000 to 15 million by 2030.

Older adults are uniquely vulnerable to alcohol and other drug problems due to the biological, psychological, and social changes that accompany the aging process. Mental disorders such as depression are associated with worse health outcomes and more compromised health status in older adults. Loneliness, chronic pain, poor physical health, poor economic and social supports are among the risk factors leading to disability in older adults.

Through partnerships with state and federal agencies and community health care providers, the mission of the Older Americans Substance Abuse and Mental Health Technical Assistance Center is to enhance the quality of life and promote the physical and mental well-being of older adults by reducing the risk for and incidence of substance abuse, medication misuse and abuse, and mental health issues late in life. The presenters will discuss how the Center has assisted States in developing plans around substance abuse and mental health in older adults; identify evidence-based programs for older adults on substance abuse, mental health, and health promotion; and share lessons learned from Center activities across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how older adults are uniquely vulnerable to alcohol and other drug problems due to the biological, psychological, and social changes that accompany the aging process;
• Identify how the Center serves as a national repository to identify evidence-based programs, provide training and technical assistance, and disseminate information related to geriatric issues; and
• Increase awareness of how the Center may assist States in developing plans around substance abuse and mental health in older adults, and discuss strategies and opportunities for partnership at the federal, state, and local levels.

Keywords: Elderly, Substance Abuse Prevention

Related Web page: www.samhsa.gov/olderadultstac

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered