December radio program focuses on opioid addiction among elderly residents of Maine

In the latest edition of the Maine Monitor Radio Hour, senior public health reporter Rose Lundy shared insights from her reporting on the rising use of potent drugs among older residents in Maine. Her findings highlighted several key points:

• Between 2019 and 2023, the number of Maine Medicare recipients aged 65 and older receiving buprenorphinea medication used to treat opioid use disorderincreased from 638 to 1,087, based on an analysis of Medicare claims data.
• This represents a 70 percent rise, compared with a 12 percent growth in the overall population of Mainers 65 and older during the same period.
• Some healthcare providers have not observed this trend in their daily practice, while others are concerned it may signal a growing problem.

Lundy also discussed her reporting on initiatives across Maine aimed at addressing mens social isolation. Various programs focus on activities like communal meals or woodworking projects, all designed to foster friendship and connection.

Additionally, she highlighted the ongoing challenges older Mainers face in navigating healthcare, particularly in understanding the choices available through Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

The radio hour airs live on the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. on WERU 89.9 FM.

Author: Zoe Harrison