Newton to Host Discussion About the Impact of Opioid Crisis on Senior Citizens

NEWTON, MA - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan will host a community discussion Tuesday in Newton about the effects of opioid abuse on senior citizens.

The presentation will focus on how seniors can properly manage and dispose of their medication, prevent its theft and identify signs of addiction in loved ones.

According to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the forum is the first of its kind and comes as reports of suspected elder abuse are on the rise in Massachusetts.

A recent Boston Globe article reported that alleged incidents have risen 37 percent since 2011. Though the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which investigates abuse cases, does not take into account how many involved opioids, Ryan told the Globe retired parents are vulnerable to financial, physical and verbal abuse from children and grandchildren addicted to opioids.

Those who attend the discussion will receive a complimentary File of Life, which helps manage prescription medication.

It will be held Tuesday, May 17 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Scandinavian Living Center, 206 Waltham St., West Newton.

>>>Read the Boston Globe's report on alleged elder abuse cases in Massachusetts here.