Alcohol use among older adults: Using data to bring the problem to light

Traditionally, alcohol prevention efforts have been limited to younger populations, failing to reach growing numbers of older adults (over age 65). Current projections indicate that “baby boomers” will double the number of persons over 65 from 36 million to 71.5 million by 2030. An increasing number of older adults also misuse alcohol: the number in need of substance abuse treatment is expected to more than double from 1.7 million (2001) to 4.4 million (2020). With the introduction of SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), states and communities are expanding their prevention focus to include individuals across the lifespan and promote data-driven decision making. This creates opportunities for states to examine alcohol trend data among older Americans. This presentation will consider potential data sources and inclusion of substance abuse indicators for older adults in states' decision-making processes, for SPF funds and beyond. An integral part of the SPF requires use of epidemiological data to determine and prioritize state level substance use needs. State Epidemiological Outcome Workgroups (SEOWs) are required to create statewide epidemiological profiles. This presentation will examine profiles from eleven states in the Northeast Region to determine whether relevant indicators of alcohol use consequence and consumption patterns are included for aging populations. While some SEOWs have identified potential data sources for older adults' alcohol use, the issue is rarely prioritized or even brought to the table. Because the epidemiological profiles are tied to SPF funding and may eventually be incorporated in other funding, it is especially important to include older adults.