Caring for Your Mental Health as You Age

What you should know about mental health in older adults

Is your mind getting the care it deserves? Just like your physical health, it affects how you live each day. If you’re feeling sad or worried, don’t ignore it. Learn when it may be time to ask for help to improve your mental health.

What mental health means

Think of your mental health as how well your mind is doing. It’s a measure of your emotional health, including your feelings, thoughts and how you’re getting along with others. It’s normal to feel all kinds of emotions, and those feelings can affect the choices you make each day. Sometimes you may feel sad, worried or lonely, other times happy, joyful or content. All these feelings are a natural part of being human.

We all go through tough times that can challenge our mental health, just like we all face physical aches and pains now and then. It’s when those negative feelings stick around for more than two weeks, or when they start making it hard to do your everyday activities, that it might be time to pay closer attention.

Factors that can affect mental health in older adults

Some things that affect your mental health are just part of daily life and out of your control. But others you can manage. Let’s look at some of these factors:

Long-term health concerns

If you’re living with a long-term health condition, it can be tiring and might negatively affect your mood. These conditions can also increase emotional strain and worry.

Getting older

You often discover that new feelings and experiences can alter how your body and mind function as you age.

Medications

Some medications have side effects that can affect your moods and mental state.

Past experiences

Difficult or traumatic experiences from the past can leave a mark on your mental well-being.

Family history

Just like physical traits, you can inherit mental health traits from your family.

Isolation

Seniors, in particular, can experience isolation because of where they live, a lack of transportation or health issues such as hearing loss or incontinence.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. Symptoms include continued sadness, decreased interest in things, a sense of hopelessness, irritability, feelings of guilt, changes in sleep or appetite or poor energy.

Being under stress can lead to a depressed mood, which can eventually progress to clinical depression. Thankfully, depression is one of the most successfully treated illnesses for older adults.

Grief and loss

When you lose someone or something you care about like a spouse or a job, it’s normal to feel sad, isolated or depressed. But when negative emotions last for a long time, it can hurt your mental health.

Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious or nervous from time to time. But when it starts to cause distress and disruption to everyday life, an anxiety disorder could be present.

Stress can often cause anxiety. For some, it can be connected to a specific event, such as a fear of flying or social interactions. For others, overwhelming feelings can happen for no reason at all.

Substance abuse

Whether it’s a prescription from a doctor or not, substances have the potential for abuse when used negatively to cope with issues. More than 2.5 million seniors have alcohol or drug abuse problems.

A majority adults aged 57 to 85 take at least one prescription drug daily, many of which are considered highly addictive. That’s why it’s so important to take medications exactly as prescribed.

Everyday ways to nurture your mental well-being

Here’s the good news: there are many ways to support your mental health. Your mind and body are closely connected, and making simple, healthy choices each day could make a real difference.

Give yourself a “NEW START”:

• Nutrition: A healthy diet improves brain health and emotional stability.

• Exercise: Daily activity supports memory, balance and mood.

• Water: Hydration keeps your mind sharp and prevents fatigue.

• Sunlight: Serotonin boosts mood and immune health.

• Take it Easy: Relaxation lowers stress levels.

• Air: Fresh air can help strengthen your white blood cells’ ability to fight germs.

• Rest: Quality sleep improves focus and emotional regulation.

• Take Time: Social connection and quiet reflection aid mental clarity.

About medications

If your healthcare provider prescribes medicine for your mental health, it’s essential to take it exactly as they tell you, just as you would take medicine for managing a physical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. Taking too much, too little or stopping without talking to your provider first can be harmful. If you ever feel like your medicine isn’t working right or needs to change, please talk with your doctor right away.

If your doctor prescribes medication for depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns, always follow the dosage exactly. Never adjust or stop medications without medical guidance. If you notice any new symptoms like confusion, fatigue or mood swings, talk to your doctor. They could be a side effect.

When it’s time to talk to your doctor about your mental health

If you start noticing significant changes in your mood, or:

• You feel unusually sad or hopeless for more than two weeks.

• You avoid social activities or things you usually enjoy.

• You feel overwhelmed by worry or restlessness.

• You notice memory loss or confusion that’s new or worsening.

• You’re sleeping too little or too much.

Your doctors are there to help you understand what might be going on and guide you to the proper support. They may refer you to a mental health specialist. You don’t have to go through tough times alone.

Final thoughts from Dr. T

Taking care of your body and your mind can help you feel your best. When your body is healthy, your mind can relax. When your mind feels good, it’s easier to take care of your body. Remember to listen to what your body and mind are telling you. Giving yourself the care you need, staying connected with others and asking for help when you need it all enhance your overall well-being.

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