Older Americans are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare.

The report found suicides have increased by 13%, depression is up 9%, and drug deaths among people 65 and older have doubled in the last 10 to 12 years.

Greg Smith, executive director of the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers, said during the pandemic, attention has been drawn away from the opioid and addiction crisis, but he urged refocusing to tackle the issue.

"People are dying all around us every day," Smith pointed out. "Each year, it's been record deaths. And last year 107,000 people died nationally of drug overdoses. And primarily that's due to fentanyl and opioids."

Smith noted recovery is often not just stopping using drugs and alcohol, but also accessing wraparound services such as stable housing and employment. Among people ages 65-74, the drug-related death rate spiked 147% in the last decade. In addition, the early death rate shot up for adults 65-74 during the pandemic, after falling for a decade before.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, said the social distancing required during COVID has taken a particularly heavy toll on older people.

"The risk of social isolation is measuring a lack of meaningful social connectedness among seniors," Randall explained. "Things that put you at risk are being never married, widowed, divorced, separated, living alone, living in poverty."

The report did have some good news: Researchers found the percentage of adults 65 or older who report being in "very good or excellent" health increased by 13 pointed from 2011 to 2020. And flu vaccinations are up. More than 67% of seniors get flu shots, compared with about 60% in 2011.

June was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, but the Michigan Alzheimer's Association says these should be year-round priorities.

More than 200,000 Michiganders over age 65 are living with Alzheimer's - although only about half receive a doctor's diagnosis. This can delay necessary care and future planning.

Kathryn Ribant Payne - communications director with the Alzheimer's Association in Michigan - said this year, the focus is on educating the public about how to take control of their brain health.

She said when there's a concern, early diagnosis is key.

"We're kind of coming into an era of treatment where we're seeing treatments come down the pipeline that necessitate early diagnosis," said Ribant Payne. "So, if people are experiencing cognitive decline that they've noticed, or their family members have noticed, we really encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider."

Ribant Payne said up to 40% of dementia cases could be caused by risk factors that a person could change by developing healthy habits.

These include challenging yourself by learning new things and staying in school.

Not smoking, getting regular exercise and properly managing other diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, also improve brain health.

She said protecting your head by wearing a helmet for activities like biking, is important - as well as eating a healthy diet and sleeping well.

She added that if you think it's too late to improve your routine - you're wrong.

"These things that we are talking about, as far as the healthy habits, are not something that you have to start when you're in your 20s for them to do something," said Ribant Payne. "Any little thing you can start at any time will affect your health in a way that can cause positive results."

Ribant Payne emphasized that it's critical for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease to seek respite and reach out for help themselves.

Michigan leads the nation in the number of caregiver hours - and about two-thirds of caregivers in the state report having a chronic health condition as a result of the stress.




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Washington has received designations highlighting the state's efforts to become more age and dementia-friendly.

Washington is the 12th state to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

Susan Engels, Unit on Aging office chief for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, said the designation builds on work the state is already doing to support people of all ages.

"Age-friendly communities consider goals that promote high quality of life for each person regardless of their age, allowing older people the opportunity to remain active in their community," Engels pointed out. "The designation begins a book of work that we're very excited to do."

Some cities in the state have already joined the AARP network, such as Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma and White Salmon. Some of the goals for age-friendly communities include ensuring people can age in place and building walkable communities to ensure people can maintain both their independence and connection with others.

Washington is also joining U.S. Aging's Dementia-Friendly America network. Engels noted the state is already supporting people with dementia.

"Developing more community opportunities for families living with dementia," Engels explained. "Things like zoo walks and cafes where people can come and not worry about being judged if their loved one behaves differently."

Family caregiving is another important area as the population ages. According to AARP's statistics, the ratio of family caregivers per adult over 80 available in Washington will decline from about 4.5 to 1 in 2030 to less than 3 to 1 in 2050.

Engels added the state has support in caregiving as well, such as through respite and counseling to help people maintain the sometimes difficult roles.

"We have innovative programs, both state funded and federally funded, where we are able to support family caregivers regardless of income levels," Engels stressed. "With services that help those family caregivers be able to maintain their role."

More people over the age of 64 are being targeted by scams through social media and are more likely to lose money.

According to AARP, around half of American adults report having been a victim or a target of financial fraud.

Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, said the most common and dangerous scams for seniors involve investments, romance, and home improvement.

"Scammers oftentimes go door to door, looking for victims," Dollison pointed out. "Sometimes we see this after a big storm or, you know, hail or tornado comes through the neighborhood, and they tell them that, oh, you know, we got up on your roof, and there's hail damage."

People who suspected they have been scammed or their personal information has been compromised should contact their local police department and their financial institution to get help stopping the payment or disputing the charge. Report scams at BBB.org/ScamTracker or call 614-486-6336.

Dollison explained warning signs include asking for payment immediately and unusual payment types such as debit cards, Zelle, and Venmo, along with claims of a free or unrealistic low-cost product or service.

"Some of the big red flags are, you know, a pressure to act," Dollison emphasized. "So often we see scammers try to really convince you to do something urgently, because they don't want you to ask your friend or family. They don't want to you to research."

A decline in cognitive functioning, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, social isolation, and a lack of financial literacy tend to make older adults more susceptible to scams and fraud. Dollison stressed it is important to remind loved ones and neighbors scammers are out there.

"We always encourage just vigilance," Dollison added. "Empower the seniors to be suspicious of things, to question, to pause and seek guidance. Discuss telemarketing and email fraud. Just really highlight how much is out there."

Elder financial abuse costs older Americans at least $36.5 billion each year and more older adults are becoming victims of financial scams, according to the Department of Justice.


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