The elderly who have more chronic, ongoing sources of stress, coupled with a lack of social network supports and resources, are more likely to be excessive drinkers. The significance of social messages about and social support for drinking is seen in the comparatively higher rates of consumption in retirement communities. In these settings, it is the most socially outgoing who are the heaviest drinkers, drinking increases for some people, and women also are likely to have higher rates of consumption. This responsiveness to social conditions suggests that the prevalence of problem drinking among the elderly may well increase with the aging of younger and more tolerant cohorts. In contrast to alcohol abuse patterns, today's elderly are more likely to encounter problems with prescription misuse than those in other age groups.
Seniors also are heavier users of proprietary or over the counter medications.
Multiple medical conditions, complex medication regimens, and the use of multiple care providers sets up a situation for high risk of adverse drug reactions. A recent report on a national study found that nearly one-quarter of the elderly are receiving prescription drugs whose use is contraindicated among that age group because of risks of adverse reactions. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to adverse reactions to psychotropic medications, a type of drug whose use is often not recommended for seniors or for prolonged periods because of risks of confusion, sleep disorders, falls, and misinterpretations of these symptoms as signs of senility. Miscommunication among providers and patients contributes to prospects of misuse, as does lack of coordination and follow-up of care. The older adult often has sensory and cognitive deficits that make understanding medication instructions difficult, but physicians typically spend less time with their older patients than with younger ones and are likely to provide them with less information about their medications.