Did you know that 1 in 4 older adults experiences issues with their mental health, including those that stem from depression, dementia and anxiety?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness and isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life. The problem is that mental health conditions among older people are often underrecognized and undertreated.
“The stigma surrounding these conditions can make people reluctant to seek help,” WHO says on its website, https://www.who.int.
Contribute to society
Many older adults contribute to society as family and community members, and many are volunteers and workers, but that doesn’t mean they’re at lower risk to mental health conditions in comparison to other age groups.
“While most have good health, many are at risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders,” states the WHO. “Many may also experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, dementia or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.”
Wide variety of programming
The Tri-County Active Adult Center in Pottstown offers a wide variety of programming to improve the mental health of their members.
“The most critical is providing a space where seniors can escape the isolation of their homes and stay active with friends,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the Center. “There is no substitute for face-to-face relationships, and our free daily lunch and wide variety of social and recreational programs create opportunities to meet new people and socialize.”
They also offer a variety of age-appropriate exercise programs for every ability level that can provide many health benefits, both physical and mental.
“Recently, we have started offering a breathwork and mindfulness class, support groups for caregivers and people experiencing grief, and others,” Parkes said. “We also bring in outside speakers to present information on mental health – just last week we had a seminar on preventing suicide in older adults.”
Underestimated in older adults
Parkes has a front seat view to the senior population and what he sees is that more attention needs to be directed towards seniors regarding mental health issues.
“I believe mental illness is severely underestimated in older adults, for a number of reasons,” he said. “First, many grew up during a time when speaking about mental health and illness was a taboo subject, leading many to suffer in silence.
“Second, many seniors suffering from illnesses like depression are isolated already, making it difficult for family or friends to recognize the symptoms and encourage them to get help.”
Access to treatment
The final reason he highlighted is that access to treatment can be difficult and expensive.
“Medicare and other insurance coverages are improving, but finding a mental health provider who is taking new patients can be daunting, and transportation is always an issue for the many older adults who no longer drive,” Parkes said. “Someone with depression or any other mental illness would struggle with the number of hoops they would have to jump through to find treatment.”
Parkes said that senior centers in general are a great first step toward improving mental health.
The Tri-County Active Adult Center has a licensed social worker on staff to assist older adults with accessing treatment and benefits, in addition to other benefits that can be reaped.
“Spending time with peers, finding support among people with similar challenges and escaping the isolation of sitting home alone can offer benefits to almost anyone,” he said. “Our weekly support groups for caregivers, people dealing with Alzheimer’s, and people experiencing grief, help people explore these issues to improve their knowledge and well-being.”
More information
Facts on mental health and aging
• By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over.
• Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life.
• One in six older adults experience abuse, often by their own caregivers.
• Approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder.
• Mental disorders among older adults account for 10.6% of the total years lived with disability for this age group.
Source: World Health Organization
Mental health promotion and prevention strategies for healthy aging
• Measures to reduce financial insecurity and income inequality
• Programs to ensure safe and accessible housing, public buildings and transport
• Social support for older adults and their caregivers
• Support for healthy behaviors, especially to eat a balanced diet, be physically active, refrain from tobacco and reduce alcohol use
• Health and social programs targeted at vulnerable groups, such as those who live alone or in remote areas and those living with a chronic health condition.
Source: World Health Organization
Upcoming events at the TriCounty Active Adult Center
• Where: 288 Moser Road, Pottstown
• When: Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m., Road To Happiness: Understanding Depression in Older Adults; Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Medicare and Senior Resource Fair. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket to be entered to win one a door prize.
• For more information: Call 610-323-5009 or visit www.tricountyaac.org.
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