Did you know that a growing number of Canadian Boomers suffer from substance abuse? Years ago it was much more common for addiction centres to treat people who were mostly in their 20’s and 30’s. Now older adults are increasingly seeking help for alcohol and prescription drug abuse. Some are also returning to drugs they used back in their teens and young adult years.
Why are treatment centres seeing an increase in substance abuse among Boomers and older adults? The primary triggers are loneliness, the death of a loved one, retirement and health issues.
According to the Edgewood Health Network, there are several signs you should look for if you think you or someone you love is suffering from a substance abuse problem:
- – Changes in sleep patterns
- – Lack of personal hygiene
- – Mood changes such as irritability, depression and anxiety
- – Mental confusion
- – Changes in eating patterns (eating more or not eating at all)
- – Falling and injuring themselves more often
At Canadian Boomerfest 2018, one of the topics we will explore will centre around mental health. Dr. Paul Links will address the topic of “Men at Risk”. Dr. Jane Keupfer will lead us in a workshop on how to care for yourself while caring for others, since the demands of being a caregiver can place very real stress on Canadian Boomers. Former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Mardi Tindal, will talk about how to live independently while being inter-dependent — an important topic since relationships in retirement are key to a healthy second half of life.
Please join us at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 17th to Friday, October 19th at 3 p.m. at Siloam United Church for the inaugural Canadian Boomerfest 2018!
Boomerality 