The abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs among the senior population poses a serious public health threat to New Jersey.  Seniors 65 and older are a growing segment of the population, making up 13 percent of New Jersey’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2003 population profile of the United States.

Camden County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Inc.’s answer to addressing this growing population and it’s concerns is by implementing a program entitled Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (W.I.S.E.). The mission of the W.I.S.E. Program is to celebrate healthy aging and educate older adults so they are less likely to experience problems associated with alcohol and medications and more likely to make positive lifestyle choices at their age.  We provide older adults with the information and resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and feel empowered about their health and the healthcare they receive.

Over the past year, the W.I.S.E. Program has yielded very positive results showing a real impact on our participants, even beyond our expectations. Participants have reported that they now are getting more involved with their doctors and asking key questions regarding their medications, dosage and drug interactions, asking for a reduction in their medication if warranted, or even coming off any unnecessary medication. This program has empowered some of the participants to change their doctors and their pharmacies in some situations.  Most importantly, participants have reported feeling more confident in their ability to manage their health issues.

Did you know…

• Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on our overall health, particularly as we grow older.    
• Older adults experience more health problems and therefore take more medication than other age groups.
• As we age, our bodies process alcohol and medications less efficiently, thereby putting older adults at increased risk of experiencing problems associated with alcohol and medication use.
• Some older adults view aging as a negative experience, because they are struggling with declines in physical and mental function, quality of life issues, and significant life transitions, which can be stressful and lead to depression.

If you would like to learn more about our W.I.S.E. Program, please give our office a call. In the meantime, become more involved in your own health care by doing an inventory of the medications you are currently taking and have a conversation with your own doctor.