There is no justification for hiding drug addiction in “old age” because the stigma associated with this problem among older people is not as unpredictable as among young people. “Grandmas” and “grandpas” from the community of people who use drugs (PWUD) are already part of our reality, and this affects our society, making it more tolerant.
The “Alliance for Public Health”, within the framework of the program “Accelerating Progress in Reducing the Burden of Tuberculosis and HIV in Ukraine” with the support of the Global Fund, presented a health leaflet for representatives of the group of PWUD aged 50 and older (in Ukrainian), as well as advice for doctors who serve older patients who use psychoactive substances (PAS). VirusOff shares this useful information.
Substitution maintenance therapy (SMT) programs have been actively implemented in Ukraine for two decades. SMT clients who joined the program in the 00s at the age of 30-35 have now reached the age of 50+, and some have even crossed the age of 65 while remaining on SMT. This helps to extend the life expectancy of drug addicts.
Aging is an inevitable process, and physiological changes with aging in drug users occur faster, by 15 years compared to their peers. However, an informed and responsible person can manage this process, reducing the risks of aging.
According to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the average age of SMT clients increased from 35.8 to 40.7 years between 2014 and 2023, and the share of patients aged 50+ is 10.7%.
The information presented in this document is aimed at those who use substances (especially SMT clients) who are approaching retirement age, as well as at doctors who provide medical care to such patients. The purpose of this information is to support the formation of a responsible attitude to the health of PWUD, taking into account age-related changes.
As a reminder, spanish scientists from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute have found that levels of the miR-21-5p biomarker, which is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress and influences the aging process, are significantly higher for people living with HIV.