Abstract
Abstract Pain limits older adults’ predictions of their own life expectancies. Due to their analgesic properties and simultaneous linkages to depression, poor subjective health, and functional disability, it is uncertain if the use of opioids augments or contributes to limitations in subjective life expectancy (SLE). This study uses 2016 and 2018 data from the Health and Retirement study to assess the predictive value of prescription opioid use transitions on perceived chances of living to age 75 (SLE). Our sample includes 50 to 62 year-olds who reported pain in both waves (N=1,977). The OLS model controls for pain intensity and activity interference, socio-demographic factors, six chronic conditions, depression, and the 2016 baseline outcome measure. Relative to non-opioid users, respondents who transitioned off of opioids after 2016 reported significantly higher SLEs in 2018 (b=5.56, p=.05). Respondents who used opioids in both waves reported significantly lower SLEs relative to non-opioid users (b=-4.17, p=.02). Individuals who began using opioids following the 2016 wave were no different on SLE than non-opioid users (p=.11). Higher 2016 SLE predictions and being female were associated with higher SLEs. Being never married and ever having diabetes were negatively associated with SLE. Continued opioid use among individuals with chronic pain reduced anticipated chances of living to 75 whereas transitioning off of such medications had the opposite effect. Despite their analgesic properties, prescribed opioid use has negative effects on future outlook independent of pain, health status, and depression. As a consequence, continued opioid users may poor health and/or financial planning decisions.
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