As a gerontologist, one of my main areas of focus has been to study and try to understand the unique mental and emotional needs of seniors. Unless you study aging, most of us would think that older adults might be less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and would be more prone to be diagnosed with dementia. While there is a significant risk between advanced age and dementia, seniors experience unique life experiences that may make them vulnerable to psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety as well.
Some Facts about Mental Health and Aging
Roughly 1 in 5, or 20% of older adults experience a psychiatric condition that is not a part of the normal aging process. Mental health problems are simply not a part of normal aging, but are associated with various conditions. There are many losses associated with aging, including the loss of a loved one, independence, one’s home, and physical functioning. Reacting to these situations is normal. What is not normal, is severe depression or anxiety that continues for a long time.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Behavioral and Mental Health? Checkout my Behavioral and Mental Health CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)
Although mood disorders tend to be higher in older adults, many don’t seek treatment, they go undiagnosed and consequently don’t receive care. This is a sad fact because it has been shown that mental and emotional disorders among older adults respond well to treatment. It is important to stress that mental health is just as important as physical health, although our society tends to over-emphasize medical treatment for older adults over psychiatric care. Mental health can greatly influence physical health and well-being. Untreated disorders can lead to many problems like substance abuse, poor quality of life, a further decline in physical functioning, and early death. Recognizing mental health problems among seniors is critical.
It is equally important to understand that mental and emotional problems are a risk for many seniors, regardless of their mental health history. Some older adults will live with chronic illnesses that are unique to later life. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington, and ALS affect many seniors and are associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Cognitive decline, depression, psychosis, and sleep disorders may develop as these diseases progress. Other age-related conditions like stroke, arthritis, diabetes and certain types of cancer may lead to mental and emotional health problems as well. It is well known that seniors take more prescription medications than any other age group. Many medications come with negative side effects which can all impact mental health and well-being.
Another issue that demands attention is late life suicide, because older adults have the highest suicide rates in the United States. The oldest-old, or those over age 85, have the highest suicide rate within the elderly population. Those aged between 75-84 have the second highest. According to the literature, older adults are more effective at suicide by using more lethal means.
Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Aging
Historically, not much attention was given to mental health and aging, because people simply didn’t live long enough to care. With the advances in medicine, technology, cleaner environments, and safer food, the elderly population has increased dramatically. Now that older adults make up the largest segment of the population (i.e. Baby Boomers), more and more attention is given to mental and emotional health as we age.
Poor mental health isn’t a normal part of aging. Usually there is something causing depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. Neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, cancer, arthritis and diabetes may be the source of mental problems.
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(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Behavioral and Mental Health? Checkout my Behavioral and Mental Health CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)