Grandma or Grandpa may have a substance abuse problem. The reality, though, is often darker. Drug and alcohol addiction is far more common in over-60 Americans than most people think. Women 60 and over take an average of five prescription drugs at a time, and for longer periods than men. Addiction is typically the consequence of taking these drugs in too high and frequent doses.
Many elders struggle to find a sense of purpose.
Many are mourning the loss of spouses and friends. The elderly are one of the fastest-growing sectors of American society. One in eight Americans is presently 60 and over, but one in three will be so by 2030. Egan offers several reasons. For another, the children of addicted elders often grew up in normal, functional families.