Most people
don't know that suicide rates are alarming high among seniors. In
2019, suicide rates were the highest among seniors aged 85 years or
older. This means seniors are battling mental health issues more
than any other age group, but many are not receiving treatment for
it.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15-20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder, yet it often goes unnoticed. Here are some reasons why.
Seniors don't talk about it or unwilling to be treated
Many of the older generation were raised in an era where mental health problems were not acknowledged or treated. Instead, it was viewed as something shameful and hidden or ignored.
Some continue to carry a negative stigma around mental health and are too embarrassed to talk about it. Others don't want to burden anyone, or fear being sent to nursing homes. So, they hide their symptoms or isolate themselves.
It's assumed that depression is a normal part of aging
By the time people reach their senior years, their spouse and some of their friends may have already passed. Grief and loneliness may set in. Deteriorating health and mobility may rob them of their independence, leading to feelings of despair and depression.
Given all the challenges that come with aging, society sees it is normal for older persons to become a little depressed, anxious or grumpy. We assume that they will adjust to the changes in their lives. But some never do and simply suffer in silence.
That's why the healthcare sector needs to prioritize senior mental health care and make it more accessible to older persons.
Mental health symptoms in seniors can be missed
An older person experiencing cognitive decline can show signs of memory loss, forgetfulness, irritability, disorientation and anger. It's easy for symptoms like these to be dismissed as a normal part of old age or misdiagnosed as early-stage Alzheimer's, a common condition among the elderly. This leads us to the next point.
Doctors tend to focus more on physical health
One of the reasons mental health conditions are often missed in seniors is a lack of awareness among primary health care professionals. Some are not adequately trained to differentiate between physical and mental health conditions in their older patients.
Doctors and nurses tend to focus on their older patient's physical health and mobility issues, often overlooking their mental health. If they do notice signs of depression, they may attribute it to the person feeling down or frustrated about their physical condition.
Even if the depression is related to physical challenges, the elderly person still needs help overcoming their depression. Doctors should encourage patients to seek mental health counseling. Geriatric mental health counselors understand the unique challenges the elderly face, including feelings of fear or anxiety around ill health and their mortality.
Friends and family are too busy to notice
Seniors who live alone may not receive visitors regularly. Friends and family are often caught up in their busy lives, visiting occasionally and hurriedly. They may fail to notice that the individual is struggling mentally or assume that the person is coping.
If you have an elderly parent living on their own, try to visit more often and pay attention to their demeanor. Remember, they may try to hide their struggles and appear cheerful. That's why it's important to look for clues that your parents need help.
Have they lost weight? This could indicate they've lost interest in eating. Is their once tidy home now messy? Is their appearance dishevelled or unkempt? Have they stopped socializing with friends or engaging in their normal activities?
These are signs that could indicate a physical problem or an undiagnosed mental health condition. Have them evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Limited financial means to pay for mental health care
For seniors living on a modest income or who do not have health insurance, paying for therapy or counseling may be out of reach. There are other options for seniors in need of mental health services, such as:
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15-20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder, yet it often goes unnoticed. Here are some reasons why.
Seniors don't talk about it or unwilling to be treated
Many of the older generation were raised in an era where mental health problems were not acknowledged or treated. Instead, it was viewed as something shameful and hidden or ignored.
Some continue to carry a negative stigma around mental health and are too embarrassed to talk about it. Others don't want to burden anyone, or fear being sent to nursing homes. So, they hide their symptoms or isolate themselves.
It's assumed that depression is a normal part of aging
By the time people reach their senior years, their spouse and some of their friends may have already passed. Grief and loneliness may set in. Deteriorating health and mobility may rob them of their independence, leading to feelings of despair and depression.
Given all the challenges that come with aging, society sees it is normal for older persons to become a little depressed, anxious or grumpy. We assume that they will adjust to the changes in their lives. But some never do and simply suffer in silence.
That's why the healthcare sector needs to prioritize senior mental health care and make it more accessible to older persons.
Mental health symptoms in seniors can be missed
An older person experiencing cognitive decline can show signs of memory loss, forgetfulness, irritability, disorientation and anger. It's easy for symptoms like these to be dismissed as a normal part of old age or misdiagnosed as early-stage Alzheimer's, a common condition among the elderly. This leads us to the next point.
Doctors tend to focus more on physical health
One of the reasons mental health conditions are often missed in seniors is a lack of awareness among primary health care professionals. Some are not adequately trained to differentiate between physical and mental health conditions in their older patients.
Doctors and nurses tend to focus on their older patient's physical health and mobility issues, often overlooking their mental health. If they do notice signs of depression, they may attribute it to the person feeling down or frustrated about their physical condition.
Even if the depression is related to physical challenges, the elderly person still needs help overcoming their depression. Doctors should encourage patients to seek mental health counseling. Geriatric mental health counselors understand the unique challenges the elderly face, including feelings of fear or anxiety around ill health and their mortality.
Friends and family are too busy to notice
Seniors who live alone may not receive visitors regularly. Friends and family are often caught up in their busy lives, visiting occasionally and hurriedly. They may fail to notice that the individual is struggling mentally or assume that the person is coping.
If you have an elderly parent living on their own, try to visit more often and pay attention to their demeanor. Remember, they may try to hide their struggles and appear cheerful. That's why it's important to look for clues that your parents need help.
Have they lost weight? This could indicate they've lost interest in eating. Is their once tidy home now messy? Is their appearance dishevelled or unkempt? Have they stopped socializing with friends or engaging in their normal activities?
These are signs that could indicate a physical problem or an undiagnosed mental health condition. Have them evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Limited financial means to pay for mental health care
For seniors living on a modest income or who do not have health insurance, paying for therapy or counseling may be out of reach. There are other options for seniors in need of mental health services, such as:
- Reaching out to their church if pastoral counseling is available.
- Joining Medicare, a federally funded healthcare program for low-income seniors 65 years and older. Medicare covers mental health services. A nominal co-payment may be required.
- Seniors in Texas can visit the Mental Health TX website to find a counselor in their area or chat to a Lifeline counselor.
Additional Healthy Aging Articles:
- The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors
- Common Health Issues Among Elderly
- When to Get Tested for Coronavirus
- After Retirement, What's Next?
- Financial Fall-Out of Divorcing After 50
- Importance of Elderly Dental Care
- What is Parkinson's Disease?
- Hoarding and the Elderly
- Age Related Macular Degeneration: Wet vs. Dry
- Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly
- Talking With Your Parents About Aging Issues
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