Drug Abuse on the Rise Among Boomers

Boomers Getting Stoned. Boomers who "turned on, tuned in and dropped out" in the seventies are now feuling the rise in drug use among 50-59 year olds.

By Gary Geyer

The Facts:

The government reported that 4.4 percent of baby boomers, ages 50 to 59 admitted to using illicit drugs in the past month. Is this a good percentage or one we should worry about?

This number has steadily increased over the past 3 years for the 50+ age group, according to the records of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Surprisingly, it has been exactly the opposite for young teens: illicit drug use for that age group went down for the third consecutive year.

The annual survey provides an important look at how many Americans drink, smoke and use drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Back to the garden

The peak of drug use among youth in the United States occurred in the late 1970s. The so-called “Woodstock Generation” getting older. It appears now that the “kids” bought the weed with them into the new century. Baby boomers who learned to "turn on, tune in, drop out" as teenagers are fueling a rise in illicit drug use among 50- to 59-year-olds.

Marijuana: Still the drug of choice

Drug use by baby boomers increased from 2.7 percent in 2002 to 4.4 percent last year and climbing. Marijuana was by far their drug of choice, accounting for 70% of the boomers illegal drug use. In more than half of those cases, the drugs were provided free from a friend or a relative. Only 4.3 percent reported buying the drug from a drug dealer or some other contact.

There’s further proof of drug abuse among boomers: A growing number of them are showing up for drug abuse treatment. And if that weren’t enough, the median age of overdose deaths is also moving up.

Just saying ‘No’

The ironic part is that a growing number of the children and grandchildren of boomers are not into drugs at all.



Research shows that baby boomers are still carrying with them their

"far out" attitudes from the 60's and 70's. As a result, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that their rates of use were significantly higher compared to the declines among today's teens who are rejecting drug use at higher rates.



Analyzing consequences



The Scripps Howard News Service followed up this trend with a well-researched analysis regarding the consequences of outdated baby boomer attitudes about illegal drug use:



"As America's baby boomers approach senior status, a troubling number are dying from causes that have marked the generation since the 1960s - drug abuse, suicide and accidents.”

An analysis of death records for more than 304,000 boomers who died in 2003 shows the legacies of early and lingering drug use, a tendency toward depression at all stages of life and a stubborn determination not to "act their age."

The study goes on to say that boomers accounted for about half of all people nationwide who died of drug-related causes in 2003. That is far out of proportion to their 26 percent share of the population. Those numbers do not include impaired driving or other accidental causes indirectly related to drug use.

A “Talking Head” has his say

*Dr. Dan Blazer, a Duke University professor of psychiatry, believes he has a “handle” on the problem and asserts: “Since adolescence, they’ve been drinking and using drugs more that previous generations. They’re less likely to have strong religious beliefs, more isolated, twice the divorce rate of the generation before them, and still facing money and work issues they though would be behind them in their 60s.”

The article’s overarching conclusion resides in the headline: “Boomer Doom: Falling Victim to the Culture of Youth.”



*Boomer Blogger Brent Green comments:

There you have it: Boomers were lackadaisical, live-for-today hippies in the sixties; it makes perfect sense that their longstanding self-destructive behaviors would be killing them today.



My point is that there is a longstanding tendency to use the myths and realities of the sixties to cast a uniquely dark and accusatory shadow over the Boomer generation.

The Scripps report, while insightful and helpful on some levels, further perpetuates in its implications the idea that accelerating Boomer mortality is due to inherent and idiosyncratic generational weaknesses. Thus, we’re dying in droves because of drug abuse and perpetuation of our iconoclastic youth culture.

I'm suggesting that we keep these findings in perspective and not be too quick to let selective statistics, subjectively interpreted, stand unchallenged as another covert indictment of the generation and its character. <<


*Excerpted from Brent Green’s Boomer Blog: http://boomers.typepad.com/boomers

Woman Gives Birth to Twins at 60. Talk about Letting Life In…

So what do you think?

"Is it none of our business? What about the children as the parents get even older? 60 is the new 40 – right? Tell us."

In case you haven’t heard, here’s the news:

Frieda Birnbaum gave birth to twin boys. (Jake and Jared). Frieda and Ken, her husband of 38 years were delighted. This was a planned birth, not an accident. Frieda and Ken traveled to a center in South Africa that specializes in in-vitro fertilization for older women. Frieda is 60 and the oldest woman in America to give birth. The person most surprised by Frieda’s pregnancy was her obstetrician, Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan.

Let the controversy begin

Of course, EVERYONE has an opinion -- strangers and family.

Frieda finds herself in the strange position of having to defend her decision to have a child at the ripe old age of 60.

She says, “I think people need to get ready for what's coming up in our society. Whenever there's anything new, people cannot comprehend or have difficult getting comfortable ... There are a lot of middle-aged women having babies — 40s, 50s, now I just turned 60. That's going to be acceptable. They have to just keep up with what's going on with society.”

Frieda’s adult daughterm Alana Birnbaum, 29, doesn’t agree and was not happy with the news. She was quoted in the New York Daily News: “She's youthful for her age but I don't think it's good. She should be going to the gym and taking time for herself — not taking on more stresses and responsibilities. Am I happy at all about this? No. I'm not!”

Frieda believes that the decision was hers and her husband’s to make, and she hopes someday others will realize how much freedom modern women have and feel empowered by it. Frieda believes a woman should make her own decisions based on who she is, not what society dictates.

So what do you think?

Is it none of our business? What about the children as the parents get even older? Do you agree that older people are not what older people were 30 years ago? 60 is the new 40 – right? Is this a perfect example of what “Let Life In” should mean? <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Women who are over 50 and date younger men think society disapproves. What’s your opinion of that?

Why Would an older man want a younger woman?

Being Gay or Lesbian and Past 50

"A small roundtable discussion between “Let Life In” (www.LetLifeIn.com) and five gay and lesbian people between 52 and 68 years old."

Being Gay or Lesbian and Past 50


Once upon a time there wasn’t a gay rights movement. Gays and lesbians were harassed by the police and ridiculed by most everyone else. Many kept their homosexuality a secret.

That was only thirty five years ago, in 1969, (the same year as Woodstock), gay activists took a stand at the Stonewall Inn in New York City and the gay rights movement began.

Most of the people who were there from the beginning, if they are still alive today, are certainly 50+, and many of them are seniors.

Thank heaven attitudes have changed. Or have they?

The following is a small roundtable discussion between “Let Life In” (www.LetLifeIn.com) and five gay and lesbian people between 52 and 68 years old. Sometimes serious and sometimes fun, we covered several areas—every thing from health care to…sex.

LetLifeIn.com: You are all gay and past 50. What’s on your minds these days?

Edward: Well, just like just about everyone in the 50+ age group -- gay or straight-- gay and lesbian seniors are concerned about their health. I don’t mean to start us off on a down note -- I don’t know about the rest of you, but the thought of relying on others for health care is very frightening to me because I know we have to turn to networks and social institutions that have not always been tolerant of us.

Ruth: I know what you mean. Gays and lesbians in general, I don’t care what your age is, still encounter negative reactions from health providers. It is especially difficult for we seniors who grew up prior to gay liberation and still remember “the bad old days.”

Ellen: In much of America and Canada, there is still overt discrimination by both the medical profession and the public in general. When we’re looking for health care, we come up against a lot of obstacles.

George: Many gay and lesbian seniors revert back to the closet-- keeping their sexual orientation hidden. Even if we are openly gay in our personal lives, I know many people who withheld that information when they needed health care.

LetLifeIn.com: I can understand that, how else is it different?

Larry: It’s much easier for heterosexual seniors. They usually can rely on their biological family as their support network. That’s not the case for gay and lesbian seniors.

Ellen: You know it. The ironic part is that gay and lesbian seniors usually have larger social networks than straight seniors yet these networks are not recognized by the so called health care professionals.

George: Also, same sex partners don’t have the same rights as family members when it comes to care-giving and even hospital visits. You know if a decision has to be made involving your partner, or even a friend, that decision is invariably given to the biological family rather than to us. As far as they’re concerned, we don’t even exist.

LetLifeIn.com: How do gay and lesbian seniors fit in with the rest of society?

Larry: It depends on where you live, what kind of job you have…

George: how rich you are.

[Laughter]

Larry: The degree to which gays and lesbians are “out” can vary. Older homosexuals are far less secure about their sexuality than those who are younger. It wasn’t as if the doors swung open and all of us danced out.

[Laughter]

Ellen: The youth-oriented culture that is often associated with gay and lesbian communities can have the unfortunate effect of isolating seniors.

Ruth: Often, closeted seniors live alone or with partners without any additional support. I know many of us feel that younger gays and lesbians who are in their 40s and 50s, you know, just a little behind us, should reach out and take on more responsibility.

LetLifeIn.com: Okay, Let’s talk about sexuality.

Ellen: Ah, lest we forget, sexuality, Sexuality, you know, is an important part of homosexuality.

[Laughter]

Ruth: The aging process brings with it special sexual problems for gays and lesbians. It’s not so easy, you know.

Edward: Unfortunately, the (male) gay community presents a particular image as the standard of attractiveness.—young and perfectly buff. If you happen to be getting on in years and still have an active libido, you are too often put down as a “troll” or a “dirty old man.”

Larry: You rang?

[Laughter]

Edward: Seriously, there is nothing wrong with being horny when you’re 20. I speak from experience. Likewise, there is nothing wrong with being horny at 50, 60, 70 or 80 either.

Ellen: Many seniors are in long term relationships. Others are out there looking.

George: We may not all be Brad Pitt, but there is nothing wrong with Sean Connery.

Larry: It’s a matter of physical fitness and a good attitude.

Ellen: Yeah! Self-acceptance is sexy.

LetLifeIn.com: It sounds like you’re saying getting old is a mixed blessing?

Edward: There may be downsides to getting old but there are plenty of rewards. I think gays and straights would agree that older lovers are more…adept.

[Laughter].

Edward: Seriously, maturing enables people to grow into their sexuality. They become more accepting, more understanding, and more willing to explore.

George: Listen, there is no denying, that in a community that puts physical attractiveness as the number one value, aging can be rough. Some who are younger, I feel, resent those they perceive to be old. Seniors are a reminder of immortality—proof that no one stays young and unwrinkled forever.

Ellen: Let’s hear it for Botox!

[Laughter]

Larry: On the other hand, some gays who are older disrespect the young ones --maybe resenting [in a somewhat haughty manner] “the unlimited horizons that was once theirs.”

50plusMag: So in the end, what really counts?

Ruth: I think we probably all agree that sex can be enjoyable at any age and that sexual energy and a beautiful body is great. But what really counts in sex is when you connect— to others and to yourself. And that only happens with “emotional generosity,” I read that once.

George: But then again, as Shakespeare once said, “Father Time is a hunk.” <<


For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Boomer / Senior Suicide on the Rise

"Every 90 minutes a person 65 or older commits suicide. An “empty” feeling, a worthless feeling, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, lack of enjoyment of things previously enjoyed, sleeping more (or less) than usual, chronic pain, persistent headaches and/or stomach aches, a feeling of being unloved and that life is not worth living anymore. Depressing, isn’t it?"

Here’s some shocking news:

Baby Boomers are more prone to committing suicide than any generation before them. To make matters scarier, boomers are approaching their senior years facing a fact that seniors have the highest suicide rate of any age group (and that rate grows even higher as we get older).

Those over 65 represent about 13% of the United States population. But when it comes to suicide, the percentage is close to 20%.

Put in more dramatic way…

Every 90 minutes a person 65 or older commits suicide.

Why is that?

There are of course, many factors: The perception of poor health rather than an actual specific illness; poor sleep quality; loneliness; lack of friends or relatives to confide in; fading memory and other brain disorders; financial stress and not to be overlooked, the possession of firearms. (Firearms are the most common method of suicide used in later life.)*
Surprisingly, medical illness and alcohol don’t seem to be a factor.

Seniors are funny.

Many seniors have no problem telling you about their aches and pains. But unlike younger generations, when it comes to their mental health—depression, loneliness, etc— their lips are sealed. There’s also a myth out there that it is normal to be depressed as one gets older. That leaves many people who might otherwise be helped by medications, go untreated.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

An “empty” feeling, a worthless feeling, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, lack of enjoyment of things previously enjoyed, sleeping more (or less) than usual, chronic pain, persistent headaches and/or stomach aches, a feeling of being unloved and that life is not worth living anymore. Depressing, isn’t it?

Some hope.

According to a recent study, strong social support and religious beliefs may act as a suicide deterrent. The study reported that many seniors say they get a great deal of comfort and support from their religion.

Doctors need to be more aware of the suicide potential of their older patients and start asking more direct questions. Instead of asking “Do you have feelings of depression?” a question like, “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” is more to the point.

What we all can do.

We must start watching out for each other and notice warning signs. We need to show we care. Our friends (even those who are just acquaintances) and relatives need our support and understanding. A visit or even a phone call can make a difference.

We all deserve to live longer lives.
Editor’s note: This is a serious problem that can effect us all. Please offer your suggestions on how we all can help.

*Experts believe it is not the presence of firearms in the home that is the risk factor but rather the recent purchase of a firearm. In states that have background checks or waiting periods for handgun purchases, suicide rates have declined dramatically. <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

For Those 50+, Gambling is all Fun and Games. Wanna' Bet?

According to a Forbes magazine article, Americans “lose more money gambling than they spend on movie tickets, theme parks, spectator sports and video games combined.”


For Those 50+, Gambling is all Fun and Games. Wanna' Bet?

Gambling is fun, right?

For most people 50+, gambling is entertainment, pure and simple. It's a chance to escape with friends, get away from day to day stresses and have fun. Winning money is a bonus, not the primary objective. Most seniors who gamble continue to take care of their health and financial obligations.

Vegas, here we come!

For an increasing number of older citizens, (pre-seniors, seniors and retirees) casino gambling has become the new form of recreation and entertainment. Older adults now form the largest age group of annual visitors to Las Vegas and have become a significant segment of the population who frequent riverboat, Indian reservation, and the commercial gambling casino industry.

Time and Money.

Older adults have two characteristics that make them attractive to the gaming industry: time and for many, accumulated wealth. Gambling machines are fun and exciting and don't require a great deal of concentration or knowledge. Just pop in those quarters.

Safe environment.

Casinos and bingo parlors have worked hard to be seen as safe and friendly entertainment venues and they fill a social void for many older adults. The casino atmosphere is both stimulating and inclusive. Everybody is welcome!

G rated, sort of.

The stigma that once surrounded gambling is gone, especially for women. Community groups, such as retirement and senior centers, visit casinos regularly and often sponsor casino nights. Casinos are willing to provide transportation from senior sites as a convenience to older citizens, many of whom limit their driving to within a local area.

Boffo entertainment, free drinks and all you can eat.

Casinos often provide entertainment such as big band music, champagne fountains and free shrimp cocktails that patrons would not be subject to elsewhere. Casino staff is trained to be friendly and especially accommodating to older citizens. Additionally, casinos offer low-cost buffet meals that are hard for anyone to turn down.

But, it’s not all wine and roses.

For a growing number of people in the over 50 age segment, sadly, gambling can be a losing proposition . An easily accessible minor habit of gambling may become a potentially devastating pastime.

According to a recent study made by McNeilly and Burke, middle-aged to older women (who comprise the largest portion of the older adult population) are believed to be among the fastest growing group of those who gamble –sometimes to relieve feelings of isolation, loneliness or boredom.

Danger!

Problems can occur when more time and attention are needed as the gambler attempts to win back what he or she has lost. If the losses continue, the gambler may have to sell possessions or property to cover expenses, or seek risky or high interest loans. Often, the problem gambler avoids friends and family and lies about his or her activities.

7 signs of potential gambling problems:

gambling more often
gambling for more money
gambling for longer periods of time
being preoccupied with gambling or with obtaining money with which to gamble
gambling in spite of negative consequences, such as large losses, taking out secret loans, or tapping into savings or pension plans
having frequent mood swings, higher when winning, lower when losing
gambling as a means to cope with loneliness, stress or depression
Here are some tips from The Minnesota Institute of Public Health on how to reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem.

The decision to gamble should be a personal choice.
No one should feel pressured to gamble. Many people will choose to gamble socially, for a limited period of time and with predetermined limits for losses. Others will simply have no desire to gamble. Some people with a family history of gambling problems or other addictions may choose not to risk gambling at all.

Gambling is not essential for having a good time.
The real value of social activities is being with friends and taking time out from the pressures of daily living. Gambling should not be seen as necessary for having fun and being with friends. Gambling can be an enjoyable complement to other activities but shouldn't be seen as the only method of socializing.

What constitutes an acceptable loss needs to be established before starting to gamble.
People need to expect that they will lose more often than they will win. The odds are always against winning. Any money spent on gambling needs to be considered the cost of entertainment. Money needed to provide for basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and medications, should not be used for gambling. People should only gamble money they can afford to lose and avoid betting when the level is out of their range. For those who choose to gamble, it is essential to know when to stop.

Borrowing money to gamble should be avoided and discouraged.
Borrowing money from a friend or relative, writing bad checks, pawning personal possessions, taking out home equity loans or credit card cash advances with the intention of repaying with gambling winnings is always high-risk and inappropriate.

There are certain high risk situations during which gambling should be avoided.
They include when you are:

feeling lonely, angry, depressed or under stress;
coping with the death or loss of a loved one;
trying to solve any personal or family problems; or
trying to impress others.
Using alcohol or other drugs when gambling is risky.
Alcohol or other drug use can affect a person's judgment and can interfere with his/her ability to control gambling and adhere to predetermined limits.

Where to go for help, if needed:

Gamblers Anonymous: 1-213-386-8789 or .
National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700.
So to end on a positive note, remember to keep gambling in perspective. It should be (if you choose) just part of your life—not all of it. Have fun, make friends and have a great time. <<


For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

HIV / AIDS after 50: What You don't Know Can Kill You

50+ Issues: "Almost 20% of persons living with HIV / AIDS in the United States are 50 years of age or older. Here's what you need to know."

Outrageous and upsetting news!

Almost 20% of persons living with HIV / AIDS in the United States are 50 years of age or older.

Three distinct groups.

The advent and wide availability of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in the developed world has extended the life expectancy for people living with HIV/AIDS, and has thereby created several distinct populations of older adults in relation to HIV disease.

1. The newly infected.


First are those older adults who have become newly infected with HIV in later life.



2. Long term survivors.


Second, are the long term survivors, who were infected much earlier and are now able to grow old with HIV/AIDS due to the tremendous advancement in HIV treatment.



3. HIV negative people engaging in risky behavior.


Third are those older adults who may be HIV negative, but are unaware of their risk for infection, engaging in behaviors that increase their risk for exposure to HIV.

We know through research that compared to younger persons, those 50+ are less likely to use condoms or practice methods of safe sex. They are less likely to be tested for HIV, or to know their own HIV status.

Misconceptions and ageist attitudes.


Misconceptions and ageist attitudes about aging and sexuality continue. Older people are seen as asexual, heterosexual and monogamous by society and health care providers.

Yet older adults are exposed to HIV by the same means as younger persons.

These risk factors will certainly continue to increase in the coming years with the aging of the Baby Boom generation and their generational mindset related to drug use and sexuality.

Social, physical and psychological challenges.

Once infected with HIV disease, older adults experience multiple social, physical and psychological challenges that negatively impact their quality of life.

Social Challenges.

As we age, our social resources may decline through loss of friends, family and other informal supports. Research has consistently found that older adults with HIV/AIDS have a very high likelihood of living alone.

Such living arrangements may result in social isolation and limited assistance with physical care needs which may in turn exacerbate psychological problems such as depression. Becoming HIV infected may result in a severing of social ties from family and friends.

As one 51 year old man stated, "You feel more closed …You just don't feel like you can socialize anymore."

Physical Challenges.

While the management of HIV disease is a challenge for most individuals, older adults have the added complication of possibly having more than one diagnosable condition at the same time.

The physical well- being of older persons may be impacted not only by HIV, but also by age-related diseases such as arthritis, non-HIV related respiratory or cardiac disease, or other disease processes.

While older persons with HIV/AIDS have been found to be more compliant with HIV medications than their younger counterparts, there is an increased likelihood of drug-drug interactions between HIV medications and those prescribed for other medical conditions.

Simply put, HIV complicates the already difficult process of managing age related disease processes.

Psychological Challenges.

While many older adults living with HIV/AIDS have adjusted well to their illness, a sizable minority of HIV-infected older adults confront a variety of psychological issues.

In a National Institute of Mental Health study, 32% of the HIV infected older adults interviewed voiced symptoms of depression. The psychological impact of the disease is compounded by internalized stigma emanating from an AIDS phobic society.

One 72 year old man interviewed stated, "You don't what people to know you have this dreaded disease…I would rather get run over by a truck than die of AIDS. That's what I'm hoping for; I'm hoping that nobody else finds out."

Late detection.

Rates of HIV infection (not AIDS) in seniors are especially difficult to determine because older people are not routinely tested.

Most older people are first diagnosed with HIV at a late stage of infection, and often become ill with AIDS-related complications and die sooner than their younger counterparts; these deaths can be attributed to original misdiagnoses and immune systems that naturally weaken with age.

The double stigma.

Older people with HIV/AIDS face a double stigma: ageism and infection with a sexually-or-IV-drug transmitted disease.

Because of the stigmas, it can be difficult for seniors---women, in particular---to disclose their HIV status to family, friends and their community.

Heterosexual infections on the rise.

While men who have sex with men form the largest group of AIDS cases in the over-50 population, the number of cases in women infected heterosexually have been rising at a higher rate and comprise a greater percentage as age increases into the 60s and older.

HIV and older women

For women over 50, there are special considerations: after menopause, condom use for birth control becomes unimportant, and normal aging changes such as a decrease in vaginal lubrication and thinning vaginal walls can put them at higher risk during unprotected sexual intercourse.

Age symptoms confused with HIV symptoms.

As HIV symptoms often are similar to those associated with aging (fatigue, weight loss, dementia, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes), misdiagnosis is frequent in older people who are, in fact, infected.

The lack-of-support syndrome.

Seniors often are less likely to find support and comfort among family and friends, and because they are traditionally not comfortable in support groups, they may be less inclined to join them, citing lack of shared experiences concerning different issues.

The sin of omission.

Due to the general lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS in older adults, this segment of the population, for the most part, has been omitted from research, clinical drug trials, educational prevention programs and intervention efforts.

Cases of new HIV infection among older persons will continue and likely increase for the foreseeable future, while increasing numbers of people will live into old age with HIV/AIDS.

It is incumbent upon us to provide improved systems of care for these individuals. <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Not Recommended: Growing Old in Prison

"If you think growing old can be tough, try doing it in a prison. One segment of the 50+ population that is seldom mentioned in stories about our so-called golden years involves those who face the fact that they will most likely spend the remainder of their lives behind bars."

Prison conditions, especially for those getting on in years, can be horrendous.

In prison you age quicker

To many of us age 55 sounds pretty young, but aging is different for prisoners. From a health standpoint, elderly prisoners are about 10 years older than their chronological age due to characteristics of their lives before entering prison. Low socio-economic status, lack of access to health care, drug or alcohol use and years of living a hard life usually takes its toll.

A growing population

Just how many prisoners are we talking about? Using 50 as the definite age, there are approximately 125,000 elderly prisoners nationwide - about 11 percent of the total prison population. The number of older prisoners has more than doubled in a decade, and the increase is expected to continue.

Who are those people

Older inmates fall into three categories. There are "lifers", who have been in prison for their whole lives, new elderly offenders, who are sentenced in their 40s or 50s, and chronic re-offenders, who have been in and out of prison consistently.

The wants and needs of elderly inmates

Not surprising, being older and in prison is considerably more difficult than serving time when you are young. Studies show that elderly prisoners need more orderly conditions, safety precautions, emotional feedback and familial support than younger prisoners. They are especially uncomfortable in crowded conditions and tend to want time alone.

The old vs. the young

The relationship between older and younger inmates can be a problem. Most elderly prisoners are still integrated with other age groups, leaving them susceptible to intimidation and thievery. Older inmates are very vulnerable to the population that's stronger than them.

Fear leads to isolation

The fear of becoming a victim no doubt has an impact on one's daily life. Many prisons house aging prisoners in separate cells from younger inmates but do not exclude them from mixing in the yard with everyone else. Older inmates are often so scared of mingling that they don't go outside.

Health concerns

Then there is the matter of health. There are many concerns facing elderly prisoners, such as the lack of an adequate or balanced diet and insufficient preventive health care..

Men

It has been reported that the most common illness among elderly men in prison are diabetes and hepatitis C. Many are on dialysis machines, receive oxygen or have cancer.

Diabetes is especially problematic because non-medical prisons rarely cater to those with special dietary needs. Prisoners with diabetes usually eat the same food as other inmates - meals full of sugar and carbohydrates. Just think what a daily plate of pancakes and syrup can do.

Women

Female prisoners are at an even greater health risk. At just two percent of the prison population, their needs are most neglected. Older females, many of them grandmothers, have special health care needs that are very distinct from men.

Therapeutic services, cervical and breast cancer screenings and nutritional meals containing calcium and fresh vegetables as well as other necessary health programs are not widely available.

The shock of imprisonment

Imagine you are over 50 and just coming into prison and being isolated from your friends and family for the first time. It's hard experiencing a multitude of losses simultaneously.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, most crimes are committed by people in their late teens and early 20s. In California, for example, only 22 percent of all felony adult arrests in 1999 were people over age 39. Only 5 percent were above 50 years old and only 1 percent above 60.

Are things getting better or worse?

As people live longer, are in better health and have more energy, they sometimes get involved in things that might get them in trouble.

Unfortunately, a rise in senior crime is evident. We are seeing many more older people convicted of felonies, such as drug crimes, physical attacks and murder - most often against a spouse or neighbor. Some theories on the increase point to money problems, loneliness, depression, alcohol and drug abuse problems.

Its truly sad that at the point in life when contentment should be our goal, many of us are facing the most difficult challenges one can imagine.

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Sugar Daddies and the Women Who Love Them

The dictionary describes a Sugar Daddy as a wealthy older man who gives a young person expensive gifts in return for companionship or intimacy. In the 30’s, sugar daddies were a staple in movie comedies and musicals. Today, thanks to the internet, they are more sought after than ever. If you have an opinion on this topic please let us know
What follows are excerpts from a web forum whose participants are older wealthy men and younger women who are looking for them.
“I happen to want something more than a straight swap of money for sex. I am looking for a young girl to have as a lover and a friend, someone who will help me feel young while I ease her financial burden and show her the good life. A straight money exchange implies the person might not even like you... what's the allure of that?”
“For myself, this is how I see my role as a sugar daddy. I am not looking for an arrangement to meet once or twice a month. I have been very successful in my career and I am looking for someone to share the good times with me. To me that means helping a special woman out there in her daily life so that she can have the freedom to enjoy life with me and not have to worry about the everyday problems of having to support herself.”
“I think we all have to be honest and admit we are all here for a reason no matter how you sugarcoat it. We all have different thoughts yes. Some men act like women should be jumping for them because they claim to have money. Some girls may jump. If I have a daddy he will be well taken care of out of respect and desire not money. Money is a bonus.”
“I know what I want and that is to meet a gentlemen who will give me allowances, take me shopping, etc. In return I will be the hot female on his arm, among other things. I'm looking for help financially, but not a relationship. Well maybe, if it's right.”
“I figured it would be easy to find a nice gentlemen who wanted a beautiful lady to spoil BUT I come to find out there's only ONE way to get spoiled HAVE SEX WITH THESE MEN OR NO SPOILING.”
“The type of man I want to be with is able to take care of me. Women are biologically attracted to men with money, just like men are biologically attracted to a small waist and full lips. It's facts of life.”
“I'm only looking for adventure and sure sex is part of adventure as well as communication, honesty and trust. I do let any gentlemen know in advance that I expect to receive perks, gratuity, and benefits for my time and companionship.”
“.....perks, gratuities, and benefits for your time and companionship"???????? lol I hate to sound insulting, but I think this is where the line is crossed. You are wanting to get paid for services rendered...I'm sorry but this sounds too much like a business deal (prostitution).”
“For me personally, I refuse to feel treated like a transaction. Foremost, I am a woman. I want someone who will spoil me and become an asset in my life because they care about me. Now don't misunderstand me, I am not asking for someone's hand in marriage, but sex without emotion TO ME equivocates prostitution... a transaction.”
“Some view it as a straight business arrangement and if that's what makes both of them happy, then great! However, that's not exactly for me. I actually have a brain, so I'd like to be treated as more than just arm candy. Just like I'm sure the guy has a personality and feelings, so he'd like to be treated as more than just an ATM. That's just my two cents!”
“My ideas differ from most I guess. I like the idea of here and there weekends somewhere, sharing my time and fun with a beautiful young lady. I pay all expenses and then some and she enjoys a great time with me. It's what it is...but it works! No expectations other than a good time. I just don’t have time for "feelings" and such that are the result of a normal relationship. But I am fun and nice and have had NO complaints!”
I am looking for something I have been missing for a long time...excitement, fun, flirtation, as well as a little "love.” In return, I will help this lady with things she must get...rent, car payment, allowance, etc... This is reality, not the movies. I really don't think I am going to find some Cover girl, who will fall in love with me, and ladies, if you are looking for Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman", I think you are going to be disappointed. If we realize, that we are real people in search of something, I think we will all do alright. I hope so anyway.”

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