Mental health in older adults

With age come many changes and challenges in life which can significantly affect mental health, facing health problems or the loss of someone close, for example. Many people will face such problems and feelings of grief, isolation and loneliness are normal to a certain extent. Still, if feelings like these persist too long and their influence becomes too strong it can lead to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Besides this many older adults can experience lesser mobility, chronic pain, frailty, dementia or other health problems. It’s often for there to exist problems with substance abuse and even suicide.

The state of mental health in older adults is often ignored and undiagnosed. People often think of depressive symptoms as a normal part of getting older. It’s expected that older people will also have a culturally different understanding of mental health and often harbor more stigma towards this topic.

Taking care of mental health is important at any age. Efficient methods of treating mental disorders in older adults exist and can significantly improve quality of life. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of these disorders and look for professional help to better understand these disorders and efficient therapy methods.

The World Health Organization says that:

- By 2023. one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over.

- Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions later in life.

- One in six older adults experience abuse, often by their own carers.

- Approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder.

- Mental disorders among older adults account for 10.6% of the total years lived with disability for this age group.

Risk factors with older adults are different, their mental health is influenced by cumulative life experiences and specific stressors which are related to aging, besides the usual factors which may affect mental health.

Older adults are often the victims of ageism, or stereotypes and prejudices based on their age, this can significantly worsen mental health.

Social isolation and loneliness which affect around one fourth of older adults, as stated by the World Health Organization, are significant risk factors for mental disorders in this age group.

Experiences of abuse are, unfortunately, common with older adults, and often at the hands of their caregivers, this means psychological, verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. This often leads to depression and anxiety, as well as many other problems.

Some older adults live with serious health issues or in poor conditions which can’t provide the conditions for good healthcare.

Some older adults also live with somebody who suffers from a chronic illness, this role of caregiver and the responsibility it brings can often be overwhelming and stressful.

What can be done?

For older adults social relationships are an important factor in reducing the risks of isolation and loneliness. In this age group significant interpersonal relationships and social activities can contribute a lot to mental health and life quality. Initiatives for making friends or being part of workshops or different work activities can mean a lot.

Awareness about agism and abuse is necessary, understanding what older adults go through and providing the necessary care and support.

Recognizing and treating mental disorders, as well as the problems which accompany them, is key. If you suspect that you or someone close to you suffers from a mental disorder it is necessary to contact a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional for advice. Mental disorders in older adults can be difficult and complicated because of the often numerous other difficulties and complications these individuals are faced with, as well as comorbidities which often occur in these periods. Taking mental health seriously and following the instructions provided by professionals is necessary.

Written by: Bachelor of Psychology, Aleksa Holcer.

Depression and older adults. (2021, July 7). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mental-and-emotional-health/depression-and-older-adults

Older adults and mental health. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health

World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from: https://pixabay.com/photos/couple-elderly-walking-fall-trail-6653517/*