While some changes in mental and physical abilities are a natural part of the aging process, maintaining a healthy mind and spirit is crucial for overall well-being. An important part of overall health is understanding mental health’s unique dynamics in older adults. This can help foster self-awareness, support, and emotional resilience.
About Mental Health and Aging
Certain mental health disorders can (but are not guaranteed to) worsen with age, including depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.
But why?
Older adults may be more susceptible to new or worsening mental health outcomes compared to younger age groups due to several interconnected factors:
- Worsening physical health conditions: As individuals age, the risk for cardiovascular health concerns rises. Conditions such as arteriosclerosis and arrhythmias can develop, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes. The presence of such physical illnesses can significantly impact mental well-being. For women, for example, declining levels of hormones like estrogen can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and memory loss.
- Social isolation: Social withdrawal is a standard indicator of cognitive decline, where older adults may struggle with conversations and stop participating in social activities, leading to isolation. Caregiving itself can also be isolating for both the caregiver and the loved one, potentially not just worsening cognitive decline, but also increasing the odds of dementia.
- Cognitive decline: Changes in the brain linked to cognitive decline can begin years before symptoms appear, manifesting as symptoms like depression and psychomotor slowing. Other indicators include social withdrawal, difficulty with conversations, changes in personality or behavior (e.g., becoming depressed, paranoid, or confused), and short-term memory loss.
- Substance misuse: Studies indicate that individuals with a history of substance use disorders in early life are more likely to age faster and experience poorer health in later years. These early mental health difficulties can contribute to the development of other chronic health conditions and increase the frequency and duration of hospitalizations.
Despite these potential challenges, mental health can be effectively maintained and even improved with the right support. A holistic approach plays a key role in promoting healthy brain aging and overall well-being, and can include proper medical care, consistent socialization, and regular physical activity. Early diagnosis and treatment for conditions like MCI are considered the best way to maintain and improve cognitive function, memory, and thinking skills.
Supporting the Mental Health of Older Adults
Supporting seniors’ mental health is a communal effort. Caregivers, family members, and other loved ones can support older people’s mental wellness in ways like:
- Helping them access professional mental health services.Just as with physical health, professional mental health support is crucial. To truly support the emotional health of seniors, it’s important to help them make (and get to) appointments with licensed mental health care professionals.
- Encouraging physical activity.Regular exercise may boost mental health, reducing symptoms of common mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Belmont Village, for example, incorporates physical activity into our Whole Brain Fitness programming. Communities offer professionally supervised fitness centers with wellness programs and on-site therapy services.
- Helping them receive treatment for physical illnesses or conditions like heart disease.Physical health is deeply intertwined with mental health. Conditions like heart disease, which are common as we age, can impact overall well-being. Addressing physical illnesses can prevent more serious complications like type 2 diabetes, stroke, or heart attack.
Belmont Village communities provide around-the-clock licensed nurses and professional therapy services to help manage health conditions like diabetes and support recovery from illnesses or injuries.
- Knowing the symptoms of depression and other common mental illnesses.Being aware of signs like increased sleeping or crying, feelings of loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from enjoyable activities can indicate depression. Depression can also be an early sign of cognitive decline, such as MCI. Early diagnosis and treatment for MCI can help maintain cognitive function and quality of life.
- Reducing controllable stressors in the older person’s life.Stress can significantly impact mental health. Identifying (and reducing) controllable stressors, like sleep quality. For family caregivers, acknowledging the emotional and physical demands of caregiving and seeking support is also crucial to prevent burnout and stress.
- Encouraging regular social interactions and engagement.Socialization is a key component of mental wellness and can help build cognitive reserve, improving the brain’s efficiency and flexibility for processing information. Older adults who interact beyond their usual social circle tend to have higher levels of physical activity and positive moods.
Belmont Village emphasizes social interaction through its vibrant calendar of social and enrichment activities, provided seven days a week, fostering connections and community through shared meals and varied programs. Programs like Circle of Friends® specifically offer small group activities for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early memory loss, promoting mental exercises and social engagement.
- Ensuring the family caregivers don’t neglect their own well-being.Caregiving is demanding and can lead to chronic stress, higher levels of depressive symptoms, and burnout. It is essential for caregivers to prioritize their own mental wellness by taking breaks, getting social support, and more. By investing in their own health, caregivers can reduce burnout risk and provide more meaningful care.
- Making the move to senior living when it’s the best choice to ensure quality of life for the whole family.Transitioning to a senior living community can be a beneficial decision, offering stability and comprehensive support for both the older adult and their family.
Communities like Belmont Village provide daily care, amenities, and evidence-based programs that support residents physically, socially, and mentally. This setup frees caregivers to spend quality time with their loved ones as family members or friends, rather than solely as caregivers. With options like independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof, residents can receive appropriate care as their needs evolve, and couples with different care requirements can continue to live together.
Mental Health While Aging FAQs
What mental disorders can change with age?
Anyone’s mental health can change with age. Specific conditions that may change over time include:
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorders and other mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
- Psychiatric and behavioral disorders
Does mental health decline as we age?
While aging can present new challenges, a decline in overall cognitive function and mental health is not an inevitable part of the process. At Belmont Village, we embrace a positive and proactive approach to mental wellness, focusing on strategies that promote healthy aging.
Our Whole Brain Fitness program nurtures the mind, body, and spirit through essential elements like healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and engaging mental workouts. Further, since physical exercise can reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions, our communities offer professionally supervised fitness centers and wellness programs to support this aspect of mental well-being.
Crucially, social interaction and engagement are vital for building cognitive reserves and fostering positive moods. Belmont Village provides a vibrant calendar of social and enrichment activities to ensure residents stay connected. Programs like Circle of Friends® for MCI demonstrate that, with the right support, purposeful and fulfilling lives are possible at every age. By focusing on these areas, we empower older adults to thrive mentally and emotionally.
What is the most common mental health problem for older adults?
According to the National Council on Aging, two of the most common mental illnesses that older adults experience are anxiety and depression.
How does aging affect mental health?
Aging can influence mental health in both positive and negative ways; experiencing mental health issues at one point in life does not mean someone will have to experience them forever. Engaging in healthy behaviors, such as social interaction, staying active, and prioritizing mental well-being, can all contribute to a more positive aging experience.
Final Thoughts
Mental health profoundly influences the journey of aging, but this influence doesn’t have to be a source of worry; rather, it’s an opportunity for proactive engagement and growth.
At Belmont Village, successful aging is about nurturing and engaging the mind, body, and spirit every day. Our Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle, for example, is designed to support this idea. This program emphasizes a combination of factors, including proper nutrition, regular physical exercise, mental workouts, lifelong learning, stress reduction, strong social networks, and a sense of purpose.
By embracing these evidence-based strategies and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that aging is a path of continued learning, meaningful connections, and vibrant mental well-being. Ultimately, understanding and prioritizing mental health empowers us to shape a future where our later years are filled with purpose, engagement, and joy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.