The past decade has been one of progress and setbacks in senior health, according to a.new report by UnitedHealth Foundation. The 10th annual America’s Health Ranking’s Senior Report found the overall health of Americans 65 and older improved between 2011 and 2020. However, their behavioral health suffered dramatically during the decade.
Drug deaths among Americans over age 65 soared 100% during the decade, suicide rates increased 13% and depression increased 9%. Researchers attributed the significant increase in drug deaths to the unintentional misuse of prescription medications, such as opioids.
“Drug abuse is particularly dangerous for this population: older adults face a reduced ability to metabolize medications due to age-related changes in the liver,” the study stated. 117
The increase in drug deaths paralleled several other long-term negative trends in mental health among seniors. The prevalence of frequent mental distress — the percentage of older adults who reported their mental health was not good for two weeks to a month — also increased 8% over the past decade.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a decline in mental health globally over the past two years. Last year, the World Health Organization reported a quarter of Americans 65 and older are considered socially isolated. Social isolation can increase a person’s risk of premature death from all causes and increases the risk of dementia by 50%. Loneliness is associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety and suicide.
Obesity also increased over the decade among all age groups. Obesity among adults over age 65 increased 16% during the decade with the disease being more than 35%
higher among Blacks, Hispanics and Indian/Alaskan Natives.
The report did include some positives about seniors. The number of older adults who reported their health was very good or excellent increased 13%. Flu vaccinations among people 65 and older increased 11% during the decade and there was a 17% decrease in the number of seniors who had all of their teeth removed due to decay or gum disease.
UnitedHealth Foundation is encouraging healthcare and community leaders to use the data to guide discussion about ways to help seniors reconnect with their communities following their isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
