Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Baby Boomers Gettin' High on More than Life

When the Beatles sang "Gonna get high with a little help from my friends..." back in 1967, who knew that song would have significant meaning more than 40 years later?

It seems that the percentage of American baby boomers age 50-59 who reported use of illicit drugs within a year nearly doubled between 2002 and 2007, from 5.1 percent to 9.4 percent, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported Wednesday.

The agency said that percentage rose because baby boomers — born between 1946 and 1964 — continued to use drugs as they got older.

The rates of people aged 50 to 59 who admit to using illicit drugs in the past year nearly doubled while rates among all other age groups are the same or decreasing.

So whatever happened to getting high on life?

To refresh your memory, here's that Beatles tune from the 60s.



3 comments:

Debbie Stevens said...

This post took me back to a day out many years ago....my daughter; then a little-league Ten Pin bowler,and my best-mate were enjoying a nice snack at the Centre's food-bar.

Laughing-out-loud at a personal joke,a group of teenagers suddenly snickered at us, mumbling "They must be high"....my girlfriend & I looked at each other,and shrugged off the remark, for we WERE, "High on LIFE!"
There's no substitute for REAL fun!
Thanks for including the Youtube,unreal!

Debra Stokes said...

Interesting stats, Bev. I wonder how many boomers are using "prescription" drugs in place of those that are illegal? Our generation has got more questions for research studies than any other!!!!
Thanks for sharing.

Eileen Williams said...

There are lots of smokeless ways to get high on life: go outside and take a walk, call a friend, or watch a baby smile. It's amazing that our generation is still turning to the ways of the sixties, especially when "blowing your mind" might not be the best thing for your brain at this stage of the game!