Prioritizing Mental Health in Our Aging Population: The Imperative for Senior Citizens
As the global population ages, the focus on the mental health of senior citizens has become increasingly critical. Mental health plays a significant role in the overall well-being and quality of life for senior citizens. Unfortunately, mental health issues among seniors are often overlooked, stigmatized, or dismissed as a natural part of aging. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of mental health in senior citizens, common mental health challenges they face, and strategies to promote emotional well-being in the elderly.
The World Federation for Mental Health selected older people’s mental health and wellness as the 2013 World Mental Health Day’s topic. This is an excellent time to consider the global status of older persons with mental illnesses. This issue of Mental Health in Family Medicine is a contribution to this thought and a confirmation that working together between teams of primary care providers and experts in geriatric mental health is not only feasible, but also imperative. An older person’s capacity to perform fundamental daily tasks can be significantly impacted by mental health issues, which can lower their independence, autonomy, and quality of life.
The Significance of Senior Mental Health:
Mental health is essential at every stage of life, including the later years. Especially during covid, senior citizens of the world became more vulnerable in a mental and physical sense. Senior citizens often face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being. The likelihood that elderly persons will identify mental illness or have access to mental health care is low. There are numerous stigmas around what people perceive mental illness to signify. Many senior citizens consider mental illness to be a show of weakness and are reluctant to confess they have issues, especially if they worry about losing their independence. Too many individuals believe that depression and dementia symptoms are inevitable parts of ageing. Additionally, many older persons lack access to and availability of services. These challenges may include:
Loneliness and Social Isolation: Many seniors may experience loneliness and social isolation due to factors like t1he loss of loved ones, retirement, or physical limitations. Social connections are vital for mental health, and isolation can lead to depression and anxiety.
Physical Health Issues: Chronic illnesses, pain, and disability are more common in older age. These physical health issues can contribute to feelings of helplessness and negatively impact mental health.
Grief and Loss: As seniors face the loss of friends and family members, they may experience grief and bereavement, which can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Cognitive Decline: Age-related cognitive decline or the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can cause stress and anxiety for both seniors and their caregivers.
Financial Stress: Managing finances on a fixed income can be challenging, leading to stress and anxiety.
Ignorance: The number of senior people with unmet care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care system in the Bangladesh. Addressing these unmet needs is becoming one of the urgent public health priorities. In order to develop effective solutions to address some of these needs, it is important first to understand the care and support needs of older people.
Several mental health issues are prevalent among senior citizens:
Depression: Depression is a widespread concern in older adults. It can be mistaken for normal aging, but it is not a natural part of getting older. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Anxiety: Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and phobias, can affect seniors. Anxiety can manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as palpitations.
Dementia: Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in personality, leading to mental health challenges for both seniors and their caregivers
The COVID-19 epidemic has also generated unforeseen changes in elderly people’s mental health because of the requirement for social seclusion and the fear of contracting a disease. These abrupt changes caused anxiety, depressive symptoms, and a sense of isolation to emerge. A type of disease like trauma puts elderly and chronically ill people at an especially greater risk of getting it, whereas other diseases can cause a person to get very sick and die as a result.
Over 20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder (excluding headache disorders) and 6.6% of all disability (disability adjusted life years-DALYs) among people over 60 years is attributed to mental and neurological disorders. Since 1974, the number and proportion of older people in the UK population (aged 65 and older) have grown by 47%, making up nearly 18% of the total population in 2014. The number of people aged 75 and over has increased by 89% over this period and now makes up 8% of the population. Depression affects around 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 years and over, yet it is estimated that 85% of older people with depression receive no help at all from the NHS.It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia worldwide is 44 million, and this is predicted to double by 2030
Promoting mental health in senior citizens is a collective responsibility. Here are some strategies to help seniors maintain emotional well-being:
Stay Connected: Encourage seniors to maintain social connections with friends and family. Community centres and senior organizations offer opportunities for social engagement.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve mood and cognitive function. Encourage seniors to engage in physical activities appropriate for their abilities.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Nutrientrich foods can boost mood and energy levels.
Mental Stimulation: Activities such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive function and mental health.
Seeking Help: Encourage seniors to seek professional help if they experience mental health challenges. Mental health professionals can provide counselling and support.
Reducing Stigma: Promote open discussions about mental health issues to reduce stigma and encourage seniors to seek help when needed.
The mental health of senior citizens is a vital aspect of their overall well-being. As our population continues to age, it’s essential that we prioritize mental health and provide support and resources for older adults to maintain their emotional well-being. By addressing the mental health needs of seniors, we can help them enjoy a higher quality of life and age with dignity and resilience.
Written by
Sumaya Binte Masud
Member