Seniors abusing substances span all cultures and economic strata.
They may be our family, friends or neighbors. Because of the major increase in numbers of persons over 65, we must prepare to adjust services to meet the needs of this group. The present population over 60 years old is 35 million, representing 13 percent of the population. This figure is expected to be 20 percent by the year 2030. Lack of Knowledge One of the most serious aspects of the rising use of chemicals in the senior population is that few are aware that the problem exists.