Did you know that roughly 12.5% of older adults had a mental illness in the past year? In addition, 12.8% reported binge alcohol use, while 9.1% had a substance use disorder. And those are the people who answered with the truth.
These numbers paint an image of seniors struggling with their mental health, and there's a long history behind that. In a supportive community like Redding, CA, resources are available to help them break that silence.
But why is there a stigma around mental health, and what can you do to help?
As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, one demographic continues to face challenges that are too often overlooked. While strides are made every day in reducing mental health stigma, seniors often suffer in silence.
The combination of outdated beliefs, generational attitudes, and systemic gaps in emotional care contributes to a persistent stigma.
Many older adults grew up in an era when mental illness was either ignored, misunderstood, or considered shameful. Women were labeled hysterical, and problematic individuals were institutionalized. Therapy and psychiatric treatment were stigmatized, and people were encouraged to "tough it out".
As such, admitting to depression, anxiety, or loneliness was often perceived as weakness. Even now, older adults are reluctant to seek help and admit to their problems.
Another factor is the social stigma behind mental health problems and preconceived notions of aging. Memory problems are often shrugged off as a normal sign of getting older. If a senior is cranky, then that's considered a stereotype.
Seniors are also conditioned to hide their emotional problems or not bring attention to them. Increasing mental health awareness for seniors involves challenging these outdated narratives.
Mental health struggles in older adults are not uncommon. In fact, aging itself provides a variety of stressors and life transitions that can impact emotional well-being. Some common mental struggles include:
Both depression and anxiety are often exacerbated by life challenges, including the loss of loved ones or even a job. Declining health can also lead to deep emotional stress.
Retirement, while often viewed as a time for rest and relaxation, can impact mental well-being. The loss of daily structure or work may leave retirees feeling lost or purposeless.
It's important to prioritize emotional care in senior living. Otherwise, seniors may struggle to redefine their sense of self and community. This is especially true when they're also dealing with downsizing, health complications, or other major life changes.
Improving senior mental wellness is about more than feeling good. Seniors who work on their health can expect:
Mental stimulation helps maintain neural connections. When people are depressed or anxious, they tend to shut down and self-isolate. Both of those habits can make it more difficult to keep your brain stimulated.
Promoting senior mental wellness starts with building healthy habits. While medication and therapy help, day-to-day practices make a meaningful impact. Seniors should try:
Emotional support in retirement presents in various ways.
Senior communities often promote social interaction with clubs and group lessons. They have restaurant-style dining areas where seniors can share meals together. You can even invite family and friends over to enjoy community-specific amenities.
To eliminate stigma, healthcare, families, and society must take proactive steps. These are some key ways you can foster better emotional care in senior living and beyond.
Talking openly about mental health should be a routine part of doctors' visits and family conversations. The more people speak about it, the less stigma it holds. Community support programs also play a vital role in destigmatizing mental health problems.
Doctors and caregivers should receive training to recognize mental health symptoms in older adults. They should also be encouraged to ask direct questions about mood, stress, and anxiety during checkups.
Seniors should have easy access to therapy services. Telehealth can serve as a powerful tool for those with limited mobility or transportation.
Families should pursue education about the signs of depression, anxiety, and dementia-related mental health issues. Emotional support from loved ones often begins with awareness and compassion.
Community centers and independent living communities should offer regular mental health workshops and support groups. They should also integrate stress-relieving activities into daily living.
Programs that connect seniors with others going through similar transitions can provide a much-needed sense of community and understanding. The most common location to find these networks is through online channels. Local community centers can also arrange these meetups.
Challenging the stigma around senior mental wellness also means shifting societal attitudes. Seniors and their loved ones need to honor the emotional complexity of older adults. They need advocates for their right to quality mental health care.
Aging does not mean losing relevance, joy, or the ability to grow emotionally. With the right emotional support in retirement, seniors can thrive.
Why is there a stigma around mental health at all? Every single person on the planet has the potential to develop emotional problems, whether it be due to loss or personal struggles. It's important for everyone to acknowledge their vulnerabilities so they can seek help when they need it.
Hilltop Estates provides independent senior living located in the Redding area. Our residents enjoy exclusive programs such as on-site health and wellness programs and chef-prepared homestyle dining. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour of our community.