Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Older Adults

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, it is critical to recognize that mental wellness extends to all ages, including our seniors. With the world’s population rapidly aging, it is estimated that 1.4 billion people will be 60 years or older by 2030.

By 2050, this number will be closer to 2.1 billion, or one-sixth of the population. These statistics highlight the growing importance of addressing all health issues among our seniors, including mental health. Mental health promotion and prevention strategies for older adults focus on supporting healthy aging. That means creating physical and social environments that support well-being and enable people to do what matters to them.

The physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that older adults face can lead to feelings of depression, which over time can progress to clinical depression. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. The number of suicides among the elderly has increased in recent years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that seniors age 75 and older have the highest suicide rate compared to other age groups. This is largely due to a unique set of stressors that individuals experience as they age, including: loss of loved ones, isolation, and declining physical health.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the US. Call or text 988 to speak to a trained counselor.

Senior-related stressors

The National Institutes of Health states that isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depression among seniors. As individuals age, their social circles often shrink due to the loss of friends and loved ones, leading to feelings of loneliness.

Even seniors who have not been diagnosed with depression can show symptoms due to isolation. In addition, life changes, financial difficulties, and health problems further exacerbate mental health problems among older adults. These changes can lead to feelings of sadness, social isolation or loneliness, which can lead to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Mental health problems can also have a major impact on older adults’ ability to perform basic daily living activities, reducing their independence, autonomy and quality of life.

Physical health also plays a crucial role in the mental well-being of seniors. As they age, physical limitations, reduced mobility and an increasing number of diseases contribute to a decline in mental acuity. Combined with other stressors, these factors can lead to severe depression and, in some cases, suicide.

Symptoms of mental disorders in older adults

An important first step in treating older adults with mental health problems is knowing the warning signs. In addition to an explicit expression of depression, there are certain behaviors that may indicate an older adult is struggling with their mental health. These include:

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level or appetite

• Feeling ‘flat’ or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or tense

• Increasing worry or feeling of stress

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness

• Persistent headache, digestive problems or pain

• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

• Participate in risky activities

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Engaging in thinking or behavior that affects others

• Seeing, hearing and feeling things that other people do not see, hear or feel

Exhibiting one or two of these behaviors may not be a cause for concern, but if multiple behaviors are combined, people should seek help. A primary care provider is a good starting point for people seeking help. Providers can refer individuals to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help determine next steps.

How older people can take care of their mental health

As we age, it is important to meet our mental health needs. Whether people are approaching retirement or are already experiencing retirement as a new phase of life, researching and identifying ways to maintain good mental health is the key to healthy aging. Below are some ways to keep your health good:

• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can boost your mood and improve your health.

• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and enough water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.

• Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule and make sure you get enough sleep.

• Try a relaxing activity. Discover relaxation or wellness programs or apps, including meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises.

• Set goals and priorities. Determine what needs to be done now and what can wait.

• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of the things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or repeat them in your mind.

• Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.

• Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take the time to support our seniors. Spending quality time with them and promoting open conversations about mental health can make a significant difference to their well-being. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step toward better mental health.

For immediate support in a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call/text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org