When most people think about opioid addiction, they do not picture someone in their 60s, 70s or 80s. But that assumption may be one of the reasons this growing problem has flown under the radar for so long.
Today, adults age 55 and older account for nearly one in four opioid overdose deaths nationwide, and that number continues to rise. Here in New Jersey, leaders in healthcare, public health and aging services are working to change that.
I was honored to once again serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2nd Annual New Jersey Healthy Aging Summit: Opioid Safety and Alternatives, held June 5 at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. What struck me most was the atmosphere in the room. Healthcare professionals, caregivers, community leaders and older adults were all engaged in the same honest conversation. There was a genuine sense that people were not just talking about the problem, they were working together to find solutions.
The summit was presented by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey in collaboration with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The keynote speaker was Dr. Andrew Kolodny, one of the nation’s leading experts on opioid safety and addiction policy. His message was clear, practical and eye-opening. One point that really stayed with me was his reminder that prescription opioids are in the same drug family as heroin. Many come from, or are modeled after, compounds found in the opium poppy. He also explained that the risks of addiction were often downplayed, helping fuel a dramatic increase in opioid prescribing beginning in the 1990s. Thankfully, that trend is changing as more medical professionals recognize the risks and look for safer ways to manage pain. For some people, dependency can begin after only a small number of pills, which is why these medications must be treated with such caution.
Throughout the day, experts discussed trends in opioid prescribing, how dependency can develop, medication safety, and the growing body of evidence supporting alternatives to opioids. Attendees also had the chance to visit informational booths, enter door prize drawings, and ask questions to healthcare and community experts during two panel discussions. The conversations explored what opioid safety looks like in real life, especially for older adults and their families. Topics focused on physical therapy, exercise, mindful meditation, nutrition, behavioral approaches to pain management, and other non-opioid treatments that can help older adults manage pain while maintaining independence and quality of life.
The day also included some fun, energizing breaks with AARP-sponsored fitness professionals from Panache Fitness who led gentle movements with upbeat music, allowing attendees to move safely right from their tables. It was a great reminder that movement does not have to be intimidating to be effective. Even small moments of activity can lift our mood, support mobility and help us feel more connected.
The numbers show why this conversation matters. From January through April 2025, adults aged 55 to 64 recorded the highest number of suspected overdose deaths of any age group in New Jersey, with 87 fatalities. That is a sobering reminder that the opioid crisis is not only affecting young people. It is affecting our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Here in South Jersey, we have seen both the heartbreaking impact of the crisis and some encouraging signs of progress. Atlantic County overdose deaths dropped from 159 in 2024 to 86 in 2025. Cape May County also saw a decline, from 35 suspected overdose deaths in 2024 to 23 in 2025. Every life lost is one too many, but these decreases suggest that community efforts and partnerships are making a difference. Lives are being saved through prevention, treatment, recovery support and free access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Part of what makes older adults especially vulnerable is simple biology. As we age, our bodies process medications differently. A dose that may have been tolerated years earlier can have a much stronger effect later in life. Add in the addictive nature of opioids, chronic pain, social isolation, grief, or the loss of a spouse, and the risk increases. Older adults are also more likely to take multiple medications, which can raise the chance of falls and dangerous interactions.
Another challenge is the trust many of us, especially older adults, place in prescription medications. Because opioids are often prescribed by a physician, it can be easy to assume they are safe when taken as directed. However, even prescribed medications can carry serious risks. Warning signs of dependence may be overlooked or mistaken for normal pain management, when they may deserve a closer look and an honest conversation with a healthcare provider.
One of the strongest messages repeated throughout the summit was the importance of being our own advocates. Healthy aging means finding the right balance between effective pain relief and safety. The goal is to help people manage pain in ways that protect their function, independence and overall well-being.
If you or someone you love is living with chronic pain, it may be worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider about all available options. Physical therapy, targeted exercise programs, mindfulness-based approaches and other evidence-based treatments have helped many people reduce pain and improve daily function.
Resources are available. New Jersey residents can call 1-844-REACHNJ for information, support and treatment referrals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Naloxone is available free and anonymously to anyone age 14 and older at participating pharmacies statewide through the Naloxone365 program. To learn more, visit StopOverdoses.nj.gov, ReachNJ.gov or DrugFreeNJ.org.
The opioid crisis affects everyone from all walks of life, and older adults are no exception. The encouraging news is that awareness is growing, better resources are available, and more people are speaking openly about the challenges of managing pain safely as we age. The conversations happening today are helping save lives tomorrow, and that is a reason for all of us to feel hopeful.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
