By Shelby Thompson, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
The issue: As older adults age, it is more likely they will experience multiple conditions at once; mental health problems being one of them. Approximately 16% of adults 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. Mental well-being is just as important in the elderly as it is for any other age demographic.
Risk factors: Transitioning from being an active contributor in the workforce or to the family, as well as the likelihood of experiencing isolation in the home due to factors such as being in a location far away from family/friends and living through the Covid-19 global pandemic. These factors are in addition to experiencing other problems such as chronic medical conditions, physical decline, as well as the socioeconomic impact of the cost of aging.
Depression is an extremely common condition for seniors and is likely occurring with an above issue. It is important to maintain contact with your loved ones, encourage them to regularly see their medical providers, and be on the lookout for common signs or symptoms of mental health struggles. Examples include if they’ve had a recent loss of a loved one, poor food intake, lack of socialization, or an increased need for care.
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
