Month: October 2021 (page 1 of 1)

About 58% of people over age 65 think that depression is a normal part of aging. Myths like this often prevent seniors from having mental illnesses identified and treated. (Mental Health America Survey)

According to the CDC (cdc.gov), an estimated 20% of people over the age of 55 have a mental health issue. Many mental illnesses can significantly affect physical and social well-being. Mental illnesses can, however, be hard to distinguish from regular signs of aging.

8 Common Symptoms of Mental Illness in the Aging

Signs of mental illness in older adults may be expressed verbally during conversations. Often, though, the elderly exhibit symptoms behaviorally or physically instead. Look for these eight symptoms in the elderly to spot mental illness during the aging process.

1. UNUSUAL AVOIDANCES

For seniors, avoiding extreme heat or exhausting activities makes sense. However, avoiding eye contact, using the bathroom, touching particular objects, or participating in events is atypical. Watch for extreme or unusual avoidances.

2. DIFFICULTY MAKING BASIC DECISIONS

Decision-making is affected by memory, emotions, and judgment processes. When seniors struggle to make basic decisions or change their minds frequently, the issue may be caused by mental illness.

3. UNEXPLAINED STOMACH DISTRESS

A person’s gut reveals much about their physiological state. If a senior has unexplained digestive problems, they may be experiencing feelings or thoughts due to mental illness that is causing distress.

4. AGITATION OR MOODINESS

Irritability among seniors may occur as a result of physical conditions like chronic pain. However, agitation and moodiness that is disassociated from a reasonable cause can indicate a mental health problem.

5. CHANGE IN APPETITE OR SLEEPING PATTERNS

Often a change in eating or sleeping habits is the first sign people notice of depression. Pay attention to a senior’s routine and ask questions to understand why their habits may otherwise be changing.

6. DISINTEREST WITH FATIGUE

Feeling tired can occur as a result of aging. When tiredness becomes constant or chronic fatigue, it may be a sign of something more. Be on alert for disinterest in hobbies or a decrease in socialization due to fatigue.

7. HALLUCINATIONS OR DELUSIONS

If a senior recall information that doesn’t make sense or that never occurred, they may be experiencing hallucinations or delusions. These symptoms may present as paranoia or as simple confusion.

8. SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE

It is unusual for optimistic seniors to suddenly feel sad all of the time with no cause. Likewise, a senior who participates in a hobby regularly and without explanation stops may be struggling with a mental illness.

Mental health disorders affect about 20% of older adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, nearly one in three of those seniors doesn’t receive treatment because of shame or the fear that it will be dismissed as part of the aging process.

With knowledge and watchfulness, you can assess your senior loved one’s safety and well-being, and stay aware of their emotional and mental health to make sure they receive proper treatment.

Do mental health issues get worse with age?

Mental illness isn’t a natural part of aging. In fact, mental health disorders affect younger adults more often than the elderly, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, seniors are less likely to seek help.

The most common psychiatric disorder among the elderly is severe cognitive impairment or dementia. About five million adults age 65 and older — approximately 10% of seniors — have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Depression and mood disorders affect up to 5% of seniors 65 and older, and up to 13.5% of older adults who receive home health care or are hospitalized, according to the CDC. Disturbingly, these issues often go undiagnosed and untreated.

Anxiety disorders often go along with depression. They include a range of issues, from hoarding syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, to phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly 8% of adults older than 65 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, says the CDC.

Risk factors for mental health disorders in seniors

Older adults experience stress like all people, but even the normal emotional and physical stresses that go along with aging can be risk factors for mental illnesses. It’s important to pay careful attention to your aging loved one’s mental health, especially if they’re living alone or aren’t able to socialize as often as they once did.

Many potential triggers exist for mental illness in the elderly, according to the World Health Organization and the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. These include:

• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Dementia-causing illness (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease)
• Illness or loss of a loved one
• Long-term illness (e.g., cancer or heart disease)
• Chronic pain
• Medication interactions
• Physical disability or loss of mobility
• Physical illnesses that can affect emotion, memory, and thought
• Poor diet or malnutrition

Assessing mental health in older adults

One of the ongoing problems with diagnosing and treating mental illness in seniors is the fact that older adults are more likely to report physical symptoms than psychiatric complaints. In fact, many seniors may not even recognize their own mental health issues. This is why the American Psychiatric Association advises family members to seek professional advice if they believe their elderly loved one may be experiencing mental health problems.

Assess these five areas to determine whether a consultation with your loved one’s doctor is warranted:

• Life tasks and self-care activities, such as dressing, preparing meals, or using the phone
• Safety, including financial safety and driving
• Physical health, including pain or uncomfortable symptoms, hospitalizations, or loss of appetite
• Mood and brain health, such as feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, or isolation
• Medication safety, including skipping medications, and worrisome side effects or symptoms related to medications

10 symptoms of mental illness in the elderly

It’s important to keep a close eye while visiting your aging loved one in order to spot signs that they need help. As your loved one ages, it’s natural for some changes to occur. Occasional forgetfulness is normal; however, persistent cognitive or memory loss can be potentially serious.

The same goes for extreme anxiety or long-term depression. Caregivers should keep an eye out for the following warning signs, which could indicate a mental health concern:

1. Changes in appearance or dress, or problems maintaining the home or yard
2. Confusion, disorientation, or other problems with concentration or decision-making
3. Decrease or increase in appetite; changes in weight
4. Depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks
5. Feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness; thoughts of suicide
6. Memory loss, especially recent or short-term memory problems
7. Physical problems that can’t otherwise be explained: aches, constipation, etc.
8. Social withdrawal, or loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable
9. Trouble handling finances or working with numbers
10. Unexplained fatigue, energy loss, or sleep changes

Don’t hesitate to seek further assistance if your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms above. Their family doctor is always a good source to start with.

You do everything you can think of to stay as sharp as a tack – from crossword puzzles to brain games to eating healthy foods. Still, the risk of mental health issues increases with age. Here are a few tips to lower your risk:

Tip #1: Surround yourself with positivity

Your environment and the people you surround yourself with have a major impact on your mindset. If you spend your time with people who are upbeat, positive and make you feel happy, you are more likely to feel and emit those qualities. Make sure to think positive thoughts, too. Keeping your mind filled with thoughts that bring you joy eliminates a place for depressive thoughts to fester.

Tip #2: Spend time with family and friends

Isolated individuals are more likely to become depressed. Socialization is healthy and keeps your brain active. Make plans with your friends and family. Invite them over for a game night or a home-cooked meal on a regular basis.

One of the benefits of living in a senior living community is the opportunity for social interaction. Join one of the many classes, activities, or events. Make a goal to meet someone new every so often. Spending time with others will help improve your mental health.

Tip #3: Set goals for yourself

Why set goals? Because having goals to work toward is good for the body and mind. It gives you motivation and purpose. It inspires you to put your best foot forward. It gives you something to look forward to.

Goals are especially useful when the benefits are two-fold. For instance, if you set a goal to walk 30 minutes per day with a friend, you’re not only benefiting your physical health with walking but your mental health through socialization.

Tip #4: Get moving

You may think regular exercise is only good for your physical body, but that’s not the case. It’s good for your mental health, as well. Exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which can uplift your mood and even improve long-term mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Make sure you’re incorporating some type of movement into your daily routine.

Tip #5: Reduce stress

Stress is more likely to affect your mental health, especially long-term. One of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to get rid of – or at least reduce – what’s causing you stress and anxiety. Are you too busy? Not getting enough rest? Having to maintain your home and property but finding it exceptionally challenging as you get older?

Fortunately, living in a senior living community like Stonebridge at Montgomery reduces those daily stressors right away. No more shoveling snow, raking leaves, pulling weeds, or mowing the lawn. We handle all of the home maintenance tasks for you so you can spend more time on things that promote your mental health.

Learn More about Stonebridge at Montgomery

At Stonebridge at Montgomery, we consider all seven dimensions of wellness – physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, vocational, and spiritual – crucial for healthy aging. Come see for yourself. Schedule a visit with us today.