(DURHAM) -- Researchers at Duke University have found that 1 in 5 seniors have a mental health or substance abuse problem, and with millions of baby boomers entering their senior years, the problem is only going to get worse.

Dr. Dan Blazer is the lead researcher of a new study.  He said the problem is complicated by a workforce to serve the aging population that is too small, and lacks enough training.

"We have an inadequate workforce from the specialists, for example, from the geriatrics psychiatrists all the way down to the direct care workers," said Blazer. "There is a significant burden of mental health and substance abuse problems in older persons and we feel that the extent of that problem is only going to increase into the future."

Researchers call the incoming flood of seniors the silver tsunami.