Last year, 365 New Jersey residents aged 55 and older died of suspected overdoses, the highest number among all age groups. This is a reminder that older residents should always be included in conversations about the opioid crisis. That’s why we’re putting healthy aging at the center of the 11th annual Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day on Tuesday, October 6, and inviting communities across the state to join us throughout the month of October.
The need for education extends beyond overdose prevention. Nationally, 36 percent of adults 65 and older experienced chronic pain, and an average of 12.8 percent filled at least one outpatient opioid prescription annually, according to recent studies. These figures highlight the importance of helping older adults and their caregivers understand opioid risks, safe medication practices and alternatives for managing pain.
Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day brings communities together to educate physicians and raise awareness among residents and families. This year, we’re encouraging participants to bring those conversations directly to older adults, their caregivers and the professionals who work with them.
There are many ways to take part. Individuals and organizations can hand out educational materials, set up information tables at community events, or share prevention messages through newsletters and social media. Senior centers, libraries, faith-based groups and other organizations can use information from our Healthy Aging Campaign in their programs or host a screening of our video about opioid risks and safer pain-management strategies.
Whether you’re organizing a community event or sharing information with a family member, you can help bring this conversation to someone who needs it. Education and awareness matter at every age.
Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is organized in cooperation with the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder and the New Jersey Department of Human Services and Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Visit KnockOutDay.DrugFreeNJ.org to learn more and get involved. Healthy Aging information and the video are available at NJHealthyAging.org