Older adults are enjoying a longer life thanks to medical science. However, many are also experiencing an increasingly higher rate of mental health-related issues. Some older adults are ashamed or frightened by their symptoms, or believe that they are simply an inevitable part of aging.

Often, older adults, their friends and family, and even their physicians fail to recognize the symptoms of treatable mental illness. Studies show they are at greater risk for developing certain mental disorders and their complications than younger people, but many are reluctant to seek treatment that could relieve their symptoms and enhance their lifestyles.  

Factors that may further increase stress and vulnerability:

• Chronic (physical) illness
• History of trauma/traumatic event
• Poor ability to relate to others
• Financial stressors/loss of employment
• Grief and loss

4 Signs an older adult may need mental health support:

1. Decreased interest. A mental illness may impact one’s interest in participating in favorite hobbies and activities.
2. Change in appetite. Many people suffering from mental illness experience a decrease in appetite (resulting in noticeable weight loss), while others eat more (resulting in apparent weight gain).
3. Sleep disturbance. Sleep is essential to the well being of all people.  There is a great deal of evidence linking mental disorders with sleep disturbance, and the overlap between the two is so great that the sleep problems may increase risk for developing particular mental illnesses, as well as result from such problems.
4. Social withdrawal. A senior suffering from mental illness may be reluctant to engage with friends, participate in activities, or even leave home.

MYTH: Older adults do not have mental health challenges.
FACT: One in five older adults experience mental health issues that do not fall within the bounds of “normal aging” – the most common of which are anxiety or depression.