Almost 1 in 10 workers in their 30s uses alcohol, marijuana or hard drugs like cocaine while on the job in the United States, a new study has found. The risk for substance use among young employees was highest in the food preparation/service industry and in safety-sensitive occupations including construction – a sector linked in previous research with a high risk for drug overdose deaths. Based on their prior studies of workplace strategies related to employee substance use, the researchers say these new findings suggest comprehensive substance use policies and supportive interventions could improve safety and help reduce workers’ misuse of alcohol and drugs.

An innovative partnership between a health system and local congregations in neighborhoods with high need are providing individual companionship to older adults found significant reductions in loneliness and a corresponding reduction in emergency department visits. Following participation in the successful relationship building program, the proportion of patients with one or more E.D. visits declined from nearly 25 percent to less than 17 percent. Outpatient visits increased from nearly 64 percent to 71 percent. In addition, participants reported improvement in emotional and social loneliness measures. Patients gained access to calmer settings, the right specialists and more consistent, supportive relationships with regular healthcare providers.

Older Baby Boomer workers are delaying retirement due to rising State Pension age while younger Gen X workers are holding onto unrealistic early retirement hopes.