Addictions have traditionally been associated with the younger stages of life, leaving an increasingly present and worrying reality in the background: the impact of addictions on older adults. The progressive aging of the population, the chronic nature of consumption throughout the life cycle, and the widespread use of psychotropic drugs in older age create an urgent situation that we must address.

Older adults with addictions, especially women, face multiple forms of stigma and exclusion. In many cases, they are burdened by stereotypes that label them as fragile, dependent, or incapable of change. This view not only impedes access to adequate care but also perpetuates the invisibility of their real needs. 

This summer course was born as a response to this problem, with the aim of goal to offer a space for reflection, training and awareness. Throughout the program, addictions in old age will be addressed from an interdisciplinary and gender perspective, incorporating practical tools for the detection, prevention, and treatment of these situations in the social and health care setting. 

Through the knowledge , dialogue and work Together with professionals, students and citizens, we want to contribute to making this reality visible and building a more prepared, empathetic and inclusive society.

This course is aimed at the general public interested in better understanding the reality of addiction in older adults, a phenomenon that is still largely under-reported but increasingly relevant in our society.

It is especially aimed at professionals and students in the social and health fields - such as staff nursing, pharmacy, medicine, work social, psychology, occupational therapy or Education social— who work or are training to work with older people, both in residential and community settings.

The course can also be very useful for family members and caregivers who live with older adults and wish to acquire tools to detect, understand, and support situations related to problematic substance use, psychotropic drugs, or other addictive behaviors.