The International Narcotics Control Board (ICBC) of the United Nations in a report published on Thursday called for a fight against the growing use of drugs among the elderly, calling the phenomenon a “silent epidemic,” AFP reported.
With the accelerating aging of the world’s population, especially in low-income countries, it is crucial to pay attention to this age group right now, the agency said in its annual report.
The IUCN recommends improving the search and collection of data on the subject, pointing out a number of gaps:
“Scientists tend to ignore the use of such drugs in people over the age of 65,” and because of this lack of information, governments that do not usually monitor the problem closely do not create appropriate programs to combat it, the report said.
The very definition of the term “adult” in this context is controversial, with experts emphasizing that aging can occur at least 15 years earlier in people suffering from disorders due to the consumption of such substances.
Regardless of the criterion, the available data show an alarming trend, the report said.
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