Mental Health in Aging Populations
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20% of Americans over the age of 60 suffer from a mental or neurological disorder. The most common disorders within this population are dementia, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. As people age and their health, mobility, vision, etc. decreases, instances of depression and other mental illnesses increases. Unfortunately, depression and other mental illnesses are sometimes seen as a naturally- occurring part of getting older and are not diagnosed or treated as they would be if identified in a younger person. Many seniors do not seek help for these issues, however, as the stigma surrounding mental health
sometimes discourages people from seeking help.
The good news is that there are many things that can be done to assist seniors in improving their mental health. One method is to focus on the ideals of healthy aging and ensuring that seniors have access to supports and services that will allow them to live full lives, even as they age. As people age, they have no choice but to rely on others more and more, when they have most likely been independent for most of their lives. It is important for them to have adequate housing and security in order to maintain as much of their independence as they can for as long as they are able. They need access to adequate health care and mental health services. Above all, they need to be able to maintain social contacts and connections with others.
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