Mental Health and Aging
Understanding the Challenge
Mental health and aging are inextricably intertwined, as aging brings physical and mental changes that can profoundly affect mental health. With the oldest members of the baby boomer generation now entering their senior years, understanding mental health challenges and aging is more important than ever.
Older people are at higher risk of having mental health problems and consequently having higher rates of disability and mortality. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health disorders affect almost 20% of older adults in the U.S. Although mental health conditions are not a part of aging, they are still prevalent in some older adults. One of the most common conditions in older adults is cognitive impairment or dementia. A 2018 study found that the prevalence of cognitive impairment is greater than 40% in elderly adults.
Age-Related Signs Of Mental Illness
- Confusion.
- Disorientation.
- Lack of concentration.
- Need help to make decisions.
- Depressive mood lasting more than two weeks.
- Memory loss.
- Social withdrawal.
- Unexplainable physical problems such as headache and constipation.
- Insomnia.
- Unexplained fatigue.
Risk Factors For Mental Health Disorders In Older Adults
- Alcohol or substance abuse.
- Long-term illnesses such as cancer.
- Loss of a loved one.
- Physical disability or lack of mobility.
- Chronic pain.
- Dementia.
- Lack of a healthy diet or malnutrition.
Dealing with Physical Changes
Your physique will naturally alter as you age. You can get tired quicker than you used to. You could become sick more frequently. It’s possible that you don’t see or hear as well as you used to.
You can do the following things to adjust to these bodily changes:
- Recognize reality. Denying these changes will only reduce your and others’ enjoyment of life. Purchase the devices you’ll need, like hearing aids or spectacles.
- Maintain an optimistic outlook. Remember that slowing down does not mean you have to come to a complete stop. You will still be able to perform nearly all of your previous tasks; you may only need to take a bit longer and develop better time management skills.
- Visit your family doctor frequently. Then, he/she can handle any modifications or symptoms that call for medical treatment.
- Be careful about your medications. They could start to interact with other medications differently as you age and affect you differently. Make sure your doctor knows your prescriptions, including those given to you by a different physician.
- Be accountable for your well-being. Ask your doctor questions without holding back; some will only explain something if you ask.
- Modify your dietary patterns. Don’t overeat and adopt a balanced diet low in fatty foods.
- Don’t drink as much. As you age, your body will find it harder to handle.
Dealing with Bereavement
You’ll probably lose loved ones more frequently as you become older. It’s crucial to keep in mind the following grieving strategies:
- Do not suppress your emotions. Losing someone to death is similar to receiving a wound, and you must recover. If you do not give yourself time to grieve, you will merely be building up troubles for a future delayed reaction.
- Recognize the spectrum of feelings you may experience. Anger, guilt, and tears are all common emotions.
- Recall and discuss the departed individual. He or she had a significant role in your life. Even if you get over your loss, the memories will always be there.
- Seek assistance from your family and friends. They can support you during the mourning process and, thereafter, assist you in starting a new life.
- Be supportive of those you know who have suffered a loss. Just as you would when it occurs to you, they require the warmth and concern that friendship can provide.
Dealing with Loneliness
Everyone needs some alone time, but being forced to be alone may be quite terrible. You run the danger of being sad and losing your feeling of worth and purpose. You must learn how to deal with loneliness as family members and friends pass away, and kids become more self-absorbed.
- Keep moving and seek new social connections. The assistance that family and lifelong friends once gave may now be replaced by a variety of programs that are available in the majority of towns. These programs allow senior citizens to try new things and meet new people.
- Attempt to develop friendships with persons of all ages. Finding out how much you have in common with someone 15 or 20 years younger than you could come as a pleasant surprise.
- Visit your grandkids, great-nieces, and nephews. Spend some time helping out in a local daycare or school as a volunteer. Young children’s eagerness and energy may make your life more enjoyable.
Dealing with Retirement
Your employment is typically an essential aspect of your life, so retiring may be a significant source of stress. If your employer’s retirement policy causes you to retire, this stress can be considerably worse. You could experience a loss of identity and feel less valuable. You’ll likely miss your everyday interactions with coworkers.
- Make a list of all your talents and abilities. Your life’s work has given you skills and knowledge that may help you run a small business successfully or provide invaluable volunteer work for a cause you care about.
- Reestablishing communication with distant family members and old acquaintances will enrich your life. Our job often interferes with the relationships we value and the people we care about.
- Rekindle your enthusiasm for the pastimes and endeavors you adore. Enjoy your free time while it lasts!
- Travel if you can afford it. You have undoubtedly always wished to visit certain areas. Early retirement may be the best time to temporarily live on the road.
Conclusion
The first step toward recovering from mental health illnesses is recognizing their primary symptoms. The development of a therapeutic strategy to control the disease’s symptoms will be aided by identification. Patients with mental health difficulties associated with aging can be effectively treated with medication, counseling, and lifestyle modifications. They will be able to deal with it and live better.
