First, some statistics: by 2050 the number of people 60 years or older will have doubled to reach 2.1 billion. The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million. (Mental health of older adults, 2023) This massive population of beautiful people are generally healthy. In some cases though seniors develop mental health and other health problems. Seniors are more likely to experience many conditions like mobility, chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems, and falls. These are conditions that might require long term care from family or a caregiver.
According to WHO mental health is shaped by the following factors: physical and social environments, cumulative impacts of earlier life experiences, stressors related to ageism, exposure to adversity, significant loss in intrinsic capacity, and a decline in functional ability. Out of all the adults aged 60 years or older 14 percent live with a mental disorder. (Mental health of older adults, 2023)
The mental health issues faced by older adults are:
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Frequent mental distress
- Suicide
(What to know about mental health as you get older, 2024)
The mental health diagnosis for older adults resembles depression, substance abuse, Dementia, anxiety, frequent mental distress, and suicide. Depression is a persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities. Dementia is a condition that causes a decline in cognitive abilities such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning that interferes with daily life. Anxiety is best defined as feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness.
Treatment of healthy aging means creating the conditions for healthy aging. This means facilitating environments that support well-being by being enabling to what is important to them. Preventing ageism or discrimination based on age is a part of that plan. Other promotion and prevention strategies for healthy aging include measures to reduce financial insecurity and income inequality. Specific programs have been created to ensure safe and accessible housing, public buildings, transport, support for those who live alone in remote areas, and those living with chronic health conditions. (Mental health of older adults, 2023)
If you are interested in assistance with your daily routine and want to remain independent you can order a caregiver to work in your home. A caregiver can help with your morning routine, evening routine, meal times, and errands. To work with our coordinator of care complete a care plan form found on this link. A coordinator will coordinate your first day and payment options upon completion of the care plan form.
Citation:
World Health Organization. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
WebMD. (2024, March 1). What to know about mental health as you get older. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/mental-health-in-older-adults