Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) has extended the lives of patients compared to those not in treatment. This positive outcome is particularly evident in Norway, where over 40% of OAT patients are now over 50 years old. While the increased lifespan of these patients is a positive outcome, it presents a new challenge to understand and address their evolving needs and the healthcare system's ability to meet them effectively.
A recently published article in BMC Public Health explores quality of life among individuals over 50 years old in OAT. The study focuses on social relationships, physical and mental health, treatment experience, and environmental and contextual factors.
Some patients experience support in their social relationships, while others experience loneliness and isolation. Comorbidity was also an important theme in an aging OAT population, and impaired memory was described as problematic.
Patients' experiences with OAT as a treatment model are described both positively, with OAT as a life-saving treatment, and with challenges, where OAT's safety measures were described as negatively impacting their quality of life.
Overall, patients describe several interwoven challenges that unfold across dimensions such as age, gender, exposure to violence, health status, and economic situation.
In light of these findings, we recommend introducing a new treatment phase within OAT that specifically addresses the complex challenges facing the aging population. As the proportion of elderly OAT patients grows, it is important to implement age-appropriate measures and adaptations to address changes in individual needs and maintain dignity as well as safety in treatment.
This research project has also previously published an article about staff perspectives on aging in OAT.