Published: 10/28/2025 | Author: Terri

If you think the opioid epidemic is only a problem for younger generations, think again. Adults 65 and older are facing growing risks as senior opioid overdose deaths continue to rise. According to a recent study, fatal overdoses among seniors increased by 9% in just the last eight years. The majority of fatalities stemmed from the dangerous cocktail of fentanyl combined with stimulants.

The research was presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY annual meeting and used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seniors are frequently overlooked when it comes to opioid studies and yet they’re part of the rising surge of drug overdoses taking lives across the nation. 

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Why are these groups more vulnerable to opioid overdose events? One reason is that many of them may already have chronic health conditions that affect them. The epidemic has happened in stages, with the beginning being prescription medications in the 1990s. Then came heroin, fentanyl, and now, fentanyl mixed with stimulants such as cocaine. This fourth phase is where older adults have been impacted most. 

Over 400,000 death certificates were analyzed between 2013 and 2023 for the study. All of them listed fentanyl as the cause of death. The rise in fentanyl related overdoses among seniors seemed to start in 2015 and saw a noticeable spike in 2020.

How to Prevent Senior Opioid Overdoses

The study illustrates many findings, including the incidence of drug sharing among older adults, the need for improved patient monitoring when prescribing opioids, adjusting perioperative planning for this age group, and using clear labeling practices. 

Although the trends are daunting, there are still steps within our control that may help decrease the chances of these occurrences. Knowing this group is also vulnerable can shine a light on the need for education and proper maintenance for prescriptions. One of the goals is to minimize the use of this drug as a pain control method and to look for safer ways to treat older adults. 

If you or a senior you love is struggling with opioid addiction, support is available.

Find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings or senior focused recovery programs in your area or call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for immediate assistance.