Older people in New York are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare.
The report found in New York, suicides have increased nearly 10%, frequent mental distress is up about 9% and drug deaths among people 65 and older have doubled in the last 10 to 12 years.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, said the social distancing required during COVID has taken a particularly heavy toll on older people.