This week Denise brings up a topic that is very rarely spoken about: The topic of Addiction and Alcoholism in the senior population. This topic is a very growing trend and needs to be addressed and understood. In the weeks to come, Denise will be interviewing some experts on this topic to answer questions and bring in resources to help with this issue in our families. This week Denise speaks with Jeffrey Anderson, a young journalist, on this topic. A few years ago Denise heard about this young man who was in his late twenties who was working with seniors and learning about what life was really about when we hit our senior years and many of the issues that come with age. Denise was curious about a young man taking on this topic as a journalist and for a job, so when she read about a recent article by him titled “The Quiet Epidemic of Senior Drug Abuse” , she decided to talk to him about this topic from the perspective of a young man. Mr. Anderson works at a place in Washington State called “A Place for Mom”, where people can get information and support for their senior loved ones with regards to health care and housing. He interviews families and seniors and writes articles about what he learns. This interview is a “conversation” about this topic.

Mr. Anderson has offered this resource as well as the articles and information on the website where he works. If you are trying to cope with alcoholism or possible substance abuse or misuse in a senior loved one, please check out these resources and listen to the interview for insight.