Aging and Mental Health

​The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimates that 20% of adults over the age of 55 will experience some form of mental health disorder.  This can include some sort of cognitive issue (forgetfulness all the way to some degree of dementia), mood swings (generally depression), and anxiety. 
 
With depression as the most common form of mental disorder in seniors, it can affect social interactions and impair the ongoing treatment of other chronic conditions.  It is often dismissed as a normal part of aging or under treated. 
 
In reality, depression or other mental illnesses are not a normal part of the aging process.  Left untreated, it will affect the person's ability to function, lead to a poorer quality of life, and can actually slow the healing from physical illnesses and surgeries.
 
Mental health can easily decline after a serious illness like stroke or chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, arthritis, or cancer.  Medication can often play a part with drug interactions between prescriptions that are overlooked.  Older adults have needs that change including loss of friendships, relocating to other parts of the country, and changes in living conditions.  All of this needs to be considered during the treatment of mental health issues.
 
The good news is that older adults can be helped with the same success as those who are younger.  With some psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication, it is reported that 80% will recover.
 
Some symptoms you may want to watch for include:

• Sadness that persists.  If the person remains depressed longer than two weeks, keep tabs to see if it is improving.  If not, consider help with a mental health professional.
• Consistent sleep issues
• Trouble concentrating
• Everyone forgets things.  However if it becomes consistent, occurs more frequently, or in familiar surroundings, start paying closer attention.
• Over use of alcohol
• Confusion with the medication regimen

If these indicators accumulate or become more serious, it is a sign that the individual may need some professional help.
 
Many older adults continue to thrive even on their own.  Some habits that seem to help are:

• Exercising to the best of their physical ability.  This can include gardening in raised beds, walking, dancing, etc.
• Reading.  Joining with others to discuss books is a good way to stimulate mental agility.  Reading as a group event allows for socializing and forces people to read something they would not normally pick up.  There are a number of websites that offer discussion questions.  Check with your local public library for suggestions.

 
The health system in the United States offers Medicare that covers 80% of a physical health issue but only 50% for a mental health condition.  Fear of overspending can often impact an older adult's reluctance to seek mental health assistance.  Studies have shown that over 60% of older adults with a mental health issue will not receive the help necessary to bring them back to a stable head space.