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The Importance of Mental Health in Older Adults

Mental health is a big part of our lives. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being and affects how we feel, think and act. Not only does it guide our engagement with the world but it has a direct correlation to how we handle stress and upon the choices we make. No matter where we are in our lives, mental health should be an important focus but for older adults, making sure that they are navigating the changes that can impact their emotional well-being is essential.  

Life changes like losing a loved one, changing dynamics with children, retirement, relocation,  and health challenges can impact older loved ones in numerous ways. Depression, loneliness, uncertainty for the future, grief and social isolation can change the perspective of anyone who is aging.  

Would you notice the symptoms of mental health changes in an older loved one? There are some signs to look for, including: 

  • Hopelessness or sadness 
  • Changes in energy level, mood or appetite
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Being restless or on edge
  • Challenges in sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Increased levels of worry or stress
  • Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviors 
  • Seeing, hearing or feeling things that others aren’t experiencing
  • An uptick in headaches, pain or digestive issues  
  • Engaging in high risk behaviors 

You may have concerns about the mental health of a loved one. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, the ideal opportunity to start a discussion, especially if you’ve witnessed any behavior that causes worry. It may be beneficial to involve your loved one’s doctor.  

Another way to help is by assisting your loved one in building stronger social connections, which can help mitigate loneliness and depression.  Meaningful social activities are linked to greater life satisfaction and a boost in positive mental health. Learning something new is one way to establish new social connections. Joining a group activity can make a big difference in expanding their group of friends who have similar passions and interests. For older adults who are tech savvy, having the ability to FaceTime or Skype with relatives who may live at a distance can be a fantastic way to connect, especially if travel or mobility is challenging. 

As an industry-leader in senior care solutions for over 3 decades, CarePatrol knows the power of aging with the right support. Whether a loved one is being discharged from a hospital, care setting or if a change in health requires new living arrangements, our 3-step process ensures safety, quality and peace of mind. Our services are available at no cost to the families we work with. We would love to help you navigate senior care.