The population of older adults in the United States is growing
at a significant rate. It is estimated that by 2035, there will be
78.0 million people ≥65 years in age when compared to 76.7
million people ≤18 years in age. By 2060, the population of
Americans ≥65 years in age is projected to increase from the
current 46 million (15% of the population) to over 98 million
(24% of the population).
It is estimated that one in five older adults in the United
States has a diagnosable psychiatric and/or substance use
disorder. Given the substantial increase in the number of
older adults with mental health and substance use disorders
in the recent decades, the healthcare system is becoming
overburdened providing care for these individuals. In addition,
the critical shortage of trained clinicians who are able to
appropriately care for older adults with psychiatric and substance
use disorders has resulted in provision of substandard
care for this vulnerable population.