Did you know that there are over 1 billion people on Earth aged 60 and older? Still, mental health for older adults often falls by the wayside, and numerous elderly individuals feel lonely and disconnected from the world around them. Mental health is important at every age, and there are unique concerns that accompany each age bracket. Today, we’re going to take a look at the mental health for seniors, covering topics like the most common mental health concerns for seniors, when to get help, and mental health activities and tips to foster wellness.
Common Mental Health Concerns for Seniors
As people age, they uncover a new set of life experiences that can trigger depression in older adults and other mental health concerns unique to this stage of life. In many ways, mental health for seniors is similar to mental and behavioral health for younger adults – however, there are some key differences worth looking at to get a clear picture of elderly mental health.
For older adults, there are environmental and physical factors that come into play in terms of mental health. For instance, loneliness rates increase as people get older. Additionally, concerns like physical illness and losing loved ones can make it more likely for geriatric mental health to take a turn for the worse. As people age, they are more likely to experience multiple conditions at the same time – for instance, a physical ailment and a mental health diagnosis. The compounded effect of these concerns can make holistic health feel unattainable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common mental health concerns for seniors are anxiety and depression. Around 14% of adults over the age of 60 live with a mental health disorder, and 27.2% of deaths from suicide occur in people over the age of 60. These statistics underscore what we already know: Caring for the mental health of older adults is imperative.
Mental Health Warning Signs for Older Adults
If you are an older adult or are close with someone who is entering their later years, what are some mental health warning signs you should watch out for? Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms that might occur when someone is struggling with their mental health:
Trouble sleeping, either too little or too much
Exhibiting a flat affect or struggling to show positive emotions
Noticeable changes in mood, appetite, or energy levels
Difficulty focusing or concentrating (attention problems)
Unusual levels of worry or stress
Chronic headaches, pain, or digestive issues
Feeling sad or hopeless
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavioral issues
Elevated levels of irritability, anger, or aggressive tendencies
Misuse or abuse of drugs or alcohol
Suddenly engaging in high-risk activities
Taking part in behaviors that put work, family, or relationships at risk
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that other people do not/cannot see
Thoughts of death or suicide
REMEMBER: If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at the number 988 – or you can chat with a trained responder online at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Mental Health Activities and Tips for Seniors
While the symptoms of mental health concerns for seniors may sound bleak, it is important to remember that there are many things you can do to improve your mental health. Let’s take a look at some healthy habits for mental health and explore some activities to improve mental health for people over the age of 60.
Prioritize Social Connection
Loneliness in seniors is a common concern that can lead to a decline in mental wellness. One way to stay mentally healthy in later adulthood is to prioritize social connections. You could try:
Joining social clubs or groups (many community colleges offer classes for continuing education)
Scheduling regular visits, phone calls, or video chats with your loved ones
Volunteering to help a cause in your area
Attend local events like religious services, performances, or other things that interest you
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Many people don’t realize just how interconnected mental health and physical health really are. When you stay physically active with low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming, you can promote joint and cardiovascular health and give your mental health a boost. Plus, many other activities that don’t feel like “exercise” – think gardening or walking your dog – are also great for your health. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can discuss safe and healthy physical activities that are appropriate for your range of motion with your healthcare provider.
Eating a balanced diet also plays an important role in mental wellness. Other key tips to make the most of the link between physical and mental wellbeing include making sure you get enough sleep (most people need 7 to 9 hours each night), managing stress levels, and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Keep Your Brain Active
Mental stimulation is important for keeping your brain active and enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle. Engaging in activities that help stimulate your brain can help you enjoy your later years to the fullest. These activities include things like reading, doing puzzles, participating in lifelong learning courses, engaging in creative pursuits like painting or playing an instrument, and participating in brain games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, or memory games.
Seek Help When Needed
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders, it is never too soon to seek help. If you are located in Maryland, our team at Triumph Behavioral Health can be of service. You can experience the benefits of psychotherapy, med management, and so much more as you pursue holistic health with us.
Get Compassionate Care at Triumph Behavioral Health
Here at Triumph, we are a Maryland wellness center focused on helping clients of all ages live their most fulfilling and rewarding lives. We work with each of our clients to formulate individualized treatment plans, which can include an initial assessment as well as talk therapy, medication management, and other key mental health strategies. Our team of talented behavioral health providers is committed to offering empathetic, understanding care to all.
Reach out to us today to kick off your journey to a better tomorrow. At Triumph, we care.