US EditionOpioid Epidemic Hitting Seniors Hard — and More Health Headlines
Fentanyl combined with stimulants caused a 9,000% increase in overdose deaths among adults 65+, matching rates in younger adults, CDC data shows.
- On Saturday, researchers at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 meeting reported fentanyl-stimulant overdose deaths among adults 65 and older rose 9,000% from 2015 to 2023, now mirroring younger adults.
- The opioid epidemic fourth wave began in 2015 with fentanyl plus stimulants, and the rise in deaths sharply increased from 2020 to 2023, with adults 65 and older facing higher overdose risks.
- The CDC dataset shows 17,040 deaths involving adults 65+ and 387,924 among ages 25–64 from 1999–2023, with younger adults' fentanyl-stimulant deaths rising from 21.3% to 59.3%.
- Clinicians are urged to screen older patients for substance exposures and Richard Wang, M.D., advised caregivers that `Older adults who are prescribed opioids, or their caregivers, should ask their clinicians about overdose prevention strategies, such as having naloxone available and knowing the signs of an overdose`.
- The study, among the first to use CDC data, shows older adults are affected by fentanyl-stimulant deaths, with Gab Pasia saying, 'A common misconception is that opioid overdoses primarily affect younger people.
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Fentanyl-Linked Overdose Deaths Among Seniors Soar 9,000% in 8 Years
Key Takeaways
Opioid epidemic hitting seniors hard — and more health headlines
Medical Watch Digest for Oct 13 Overdose Deaths in people 65 and Older The opioid epidemic is hitting seniors hard. Fentanyl stimulants are driving a sharp increase in senior overdose deaths. Drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines surged 9000% among seniors in the past decade. Rates are now similar to younger adults according to research presenting at the American Society of Anesthesiologists meeting. Fentanyl mixed w…
Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9,000% — A hidden crisis few saw coming
Overdose deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have skyrocketed among seniors, increasing 9,000% in just eight years. Once thought to affect mainly the young, the opioid epidemic’s fourth wave now engulfs older adults too. Cocaine and methamphetamine are the leading culprits, and experts warn that multi-drug use makes these overdoses especially lethal. Doctors are urged to educate patients and caregivers on prevention and safer pain managem…
Fentanyl-stimulant overdose deaths surge among older adults
Overdose deaths in adults age 65 and older from fentanyl mixed with stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, have surged 9,000% in the past eight years, matching rates found among younger adults, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2025 annual meeting.
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