2 months ago

Mental Health in Aging / Older Adults

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world’s population is aging fast.

In 2020, there were 1 billion people who are 60 years or older
In 2030, it is believe that this number will increase to 1.4 billion
By 2050, it is believed that this number will increase to 2.1 billion
The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 to 2050 (hitting over 425 million people)

There are many benefits to having a large aging population, since these individuals often give back to their family and community through volunteering and acts of service. However, many of these individuals may need additional support due to mental health conditions or physical/medical limitations.

Mental health in aging adults is a Public Health Issue that must be addressed. This article will focus on the following topics around mental health for aging populations:

What external factors impact mental health as someone ages?
What are the key mental health concerns?
What are suggestions for the aging population and those that love them to improve quality of life?
Resources for the Aging Population and their Caregivers

What external factors impact mental health as someone ages?

Bereavement / Grief – losing loved ones occurs more often
Serious illness
Drop in income
Reduced sense of purpose
Being impacted by “ageism”
Physical limitations / chronic illnesses / pain
Abuse (physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or financial)
Lack of access to support
Loneliness / Social Isolation
Needing long term care

Key Mental Health Concerns:

Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Suicide (Global Health Estimates show around a quarter of deaths by suicide occur by those age 60 or older)
Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease / Cognitive Decline
Personality Disorders that already exist are susceptible to worsening with age

Suggestions for the Aging Population:

Physical / Social environments that support well-being
Environments that enable people to do what is important to them (despite losses in capacity)
Safe person to discuss emotions – “How are you feeling right now?”
Stress management skills and resources
Financial planning to support long lives
Resources to access needs such as groceries, medical appointments, and important events
Social and Emotional Support (Family, Friends, caregivers, Therapists, Community, etc.)
Experiencing Life Satisfaction as a Whole
Maintain a Routine including a balanced diet, movement/exercise / yoga, and activities that bring joy

Identifying Gratitude / Moments of Delight / Thankful Statements:

Physically active to the extent the body can
Reduction of harmful things such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Accessing health and social programs to keep individuals engaged in their community
Social connections
Meaningful social activities
Counseling and Support Groups for aging experiences
Social Skills Training
Occupational Therapy as needed when adapting to new limitations
Creative Art outlets or groups
Educational opportunities / Stay active intellectually by learning new things
Improve sleep by setting and maintaining good sleep habits
Volunteering for programs
Leisure / Fun activities
Support for carers of aging individuals
Medication management for mental health
County Resources often have an Aging and Disability Department that can connect individuals to resources in their community…and these services are often free
Get help in a Crisis….You do not need to navigate this alone.