342: Addiction, Trauma and the Older Population

342: Addiction, Trauma and the Older Population

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this engaging episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli and Chip Somers dive into the unique challenges faced by the older population dealing with addiction and trauma. Joined by the insightful Polly Kaiser, who has dedicated over 40 years to working with older adults, they tackle the often-overlooked issues of ageism, substance misuse, and mental health in those over 65.

Polly shares her passion for narrative therapy and how it helps older individuals reclaim their stories and find value in their experiences. The discussion highlights the societal perceptions that often render older adults invisible, especially when it comes to substance misuse. Polly passionately argues that ageism is the last socially accepted prejudice and that older people are a treasure trove of wisdom and stories that society fails to appreciate.

The episode sheds light on the intersectionality issues between older men and women, with older women often facing more challenges due to societal standards of attractiveness. Veronica and Polly also explore the generational differences in alcohol consumption, noting how the boomer generation's drinking culture has led to a higher risk of alcohol misuse. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes and broader insights into how trauma can resurface in later life, often manifesting as substance misuse or mental health issues.

Listeners are left with a call to action to value the experiences and wisdom of older adults while recognising the need for better support systems and research to address their unique challenges. As Polly puts it, "Older people are incredibly valuable, but we mustn't only value them for their past." This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding across generations.