AGING WELL: SEE ALL TOPICS
Aging Well
For most older adults, good health and financial wellness ensures independence, security, and the ability to afford a longer life. Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES: SEE ALL TOPICS
Professional Resources
Improving the lives of older adults, especially those who are struggling, is not just your job–it’s at your core. Gain your inspiration here and find NCOA tools, tips, and resources to help improve your delivery and service.
ABOUT US
About NCOA
We believe every person deserves to age well, regardless of their background. Learn more about the work we do, the people we serve, and why aging well matters now more than ever.
GET INVOLVED
Help NCOA Make an Impact
Help us build a more just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security. Explore how to support our mission, partner with us, and advocate on behalf of older adults.

The National Council on Aging

AGING WELL: SEE ALL TOPICS
Aging Well
For most older adults, good health and financial wellness ensures independence, security, and the ability to afford a longer life. Discover tools and resources to improve quality of life and tips to make the most of your money.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES: SEE ALL TOPICS
Professional Resources
Improving the lives of older adults, especially those who are struggling, is not just your job–it’s at your core. Gain your inspiration here and find NCOA tools, tips, and resources to help improve your delivery and service.
ABOUT US
About NCOA
We believe every person deserves to age well, regardless of their background. Learn more about the work we do, the people we serve, and why aging well matters now more than ever.
GET INVOLVED
Help NCOA Make an Impact
Help us build a more just and caring society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security. Explore how to support our mission, partner with us, and advocate on behalf of older adults.

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Too much alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and misuse of prescription medications can all be harmful to our health. Learn more about the impact of substance misuse on older adults, options for outreach, and the impact of this issue on the aging services network.

For Professionals

Get the Facts on Healthy Aging

May 09, 2025

A Black senior woman is hugging her husband from behind while he's sitting on the couch.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Jan 24, 2025

Dementia, Mental Illness, and Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: One Mind, Many Silos

Jun 23, 2022

Tips for Talking to Older Adults About Substance Use

May 03, 2022

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults

Sep 20, 2021

A group of aging services professionals are holding hands in a circle, indicating strength in numbers.

National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging Webinar Series - Transforming Mental Health and Addiction Services

Mar 17, 2021

A senior mental health patient wearing a mask is talking to her behavioral therapist.

Help from the 988 Lifeline

There are caring people who want to help you, no matter what problems you’re dealing with. If you or an older adult you care about is struggling, dial or text 988 now to speak with a Lifeline counselor.

Opioid Crisis and the Aging Community

Feb 13, 2020

senior white woman confers with black female doctor with clipboard

The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on the Aging Services Network and the Older Adults They Serve

Dec 02, 2019

Medicare Coverage of Opioids: Drug Management Lock-ins and Safety Edits

Oct 07, 2019

A Guide to Preventing Older Adult Alcohol and Psychoactive Medication Misuse/Abuse: Screening and Brief Interventions

Jun 07, 2016

More Stories

Alcohol and Prescription Medication Misuse/Abuse: Interventions to Help Older Adults
Jun 11, 2012
Alcohol Misuse and Abuse Among Older Adults: How Can We Help?
Jun 11, 2012
Prescription Medication Misuse and Abuse Among Older Adults
Jun 11, 2012

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