Opioid use among Ontario seniors rises, study finds

A new report says opioid use among older adults in Ontario has become an overlooked and growing health issue. The study, released by Unity Health and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, found that about 1 in 350 older Ontarians was living with opioid use disorder, an 81% increase from 2017. The report said the number of adults age 55 and older seeking care for opioid use disorder more than doubled between 2017 and 2025, rising from 7,116 to 15,231. It also found opioidrelated deaths among older adults increased over that period. Researchers said the trend likely reflects a mix of factors, including longterm exposure to prescription opioids, shifts toward illicit drug use as prescriptions declined, and better screening and awareness. Experts quoted in the report said older adults often face added risks because of chronic illness, multiple medications, and the challenges of monitoring treatment in longterm care or at home.