Canada’s Silent Epidemic: Older Adults Hardest Hit by Opioid Crisis
Canada is grappling with a severe opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of thousands of young people. However, a recent report from the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) has shed light on the fact that older adults are the demographic that has been most affected by the crisis. The report reveals that compared to other age groups, older adults have the highest rate of prescription opioid consumption and experience the highest rates of side effects, overdoses, and mortality associated with these medications.
The prevalence of chronic pain among older adults is a key factor driving the high rates of opioid use in this population. Opioids are commonly prescribed to manage the pain symptoms experienced by older adults, but this has led to unintended consequences. Dr. Samir Sinha, the NIA’s director of health policy research, described the situation as a silent epidemic that has largely been left out of the national conversation on the opioid crisis.
While much attention has been focused on opioid use among younger adults, the report highlights the need to address the impact on Canadians over 65, including those in long-term care homes. The report stresses the importance of increasing awareness of opioid use disorder (OUD) among older adults and implementing guidelines for opioid use and pain management in long-term care settings.
The report also calls for the promotion of non-opioid treatments for pain and the improvement of narcotic education among healthcare providers. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for better research and data collection on opioid use among older adults to inform targeted interventions and support.
Ageism is identified as a contributing factor to the lack of data and attention given to the opioid crisis among older adults. The report suggests that societal ageism may have played a role in neglecting the needs of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that for every 1,000 Ontarians over the age of 65, an estimated 246 received at least one opioid prescription in 2015-16. By 2019-20, this number decreased to 192. The use of more potent opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone has declined, but there has been an increase in prescriptions for hydromorphone, which is still a powerful medication.
While there is some progress in reducing prescription opioid use among Canadians, the report emphasizes that the consumption of opioids remains high. With Canada projected to become a super-aged country by the early 2030s, there is a pressing need to address the overuse of opioids and find alternative pain management strategies for older adults.
Addressing the opioid crisis among older adults requires a multi-faceted approach that includes comprehensive guidelines, increased education, and greater access to alternative pain management options. By prioritizing the needs of older adults and promoting responsible opioid prescribing practices, Canada can work towards mitigating the silent epidemic that has disproportionately affected this vulnerable population.
