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Table of Contents
Therapy for Seniors: Addressing Common Mental Health Issues in Aging Adults

TABLE OF CONTENTS

https://www.onlinetherapy.com

I. What are the risk factors for mental health issues in seniors?

Certain risk factors can trigger mental health issues, and aging adults sometimes encounter multiple factors at once. Something as natural as retirement can trigger depression by taking away an important social aspect of one’s life or anxiety by decreasing financial security. Other risk factors that can lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues include:

  • Chronic pain or physical health conditions
  • Significant decline of physical abilities, like mobility
  • Illnesses that cause memory loss or dementia
  • A sudden need for long-term in-home or residential care
  • Severe illness of a loved one
  • Bereavement
  • Alcohol or substance abuse
  • A decline in socioeconomic status
  • Loneliness or social isolation
  • Elder abuse, including long-term neglect
  • Improper diet potentially leading to malnutrition
  • Side effects of prescribed medications
  • Sleep issues
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II. Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Aging Adults

It’s common for symptoms of mental health issues in older adults to be confused with the typical signs of aging. Symptoms are often overlooked because they appear with other issues that come naturally with aging. It’s critical to watch for warning signs to help detect mental health issues.

Common signs of mental health issues in aging adults:
Symptom Description
Changes in appetite or weight Changes in appetite include not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry, leading to unintentional weight loss. Aging can cause decreased appetite for unknown reasons, but appetite loss can also be a sign of mental health issues and result from depression, grief, anxiety, and stress.
Problems with concentration or decision making A decreased ability to focus is considered a concentration problem. Decision-making is making choices using your judgment and poor judgment can impact the process. Not being able to concentrate or make even simple decisions could stem from mental health issues.
Thoughts of suicide Thoughts of suicide, also called suicidal ideation, is thinking about suicide with or without a plan to act on these thoughts. Mental health issues are often factors linked to suicides. There were 21,407 suicides recorded in the 50 to 85+ age group in 2019.
Changes in appearance or dress Changes in self-care routines in which appearance or dress is altered can be a physical indicator of a mental health issue. Not bathing, putting on clean clothes, brushing teeth or hair, or performing other typical hygiene practices are all concerning changes.
Difficulty remembering things Memory issues are often considered a normal part of the aging process, but this isn’t correct. Difficulty remembering things can be an early sign of dementia, but it can also be a sign of mental health issues, especially simple forgetfulness like temporarily forgetting where you left something.
Social withdrawal Social withdrawal occurs when you avoid friends and family or social situations leading to self-isolation. Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed and avoiding your normal social engagements is often a sign of depression or other mental health issues. Reduced energy can also lead to social withdrawal.
Unexplained fatigue A sudden lack of energy or feeling tired all the time for no apparent reason is considered unexplained fatigue. It’s a major symptom of depression. Fatigue is more than temporary tiredness. It can make it difficult to get out of bed and prevent you from completing daily tasks.
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III. Common Aging Adult Mental Health Issues

Major life changes often accompany getting older. Some older adults have a hard time adjusting, putting them at risk of mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety. Dealing with chronic health conditions or the early stages of dementia can make the situation even worse. Common aging adult mental health issues include:

Mental health issues Description
Anxiety Anxiety can include excessive feelings of uneasiness, dread, and fear that interfere with daily activities, decrease feelings of well-being, and worsen an older person’s physical health. Anxiety isn’t a normal part of aging, but between 3% and 14% of older adults meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder.
Depression Clinical depression is more than feeling sad. It’s a serious mood disorder that can severely impact how a person thinks, feels, and manages everyday activities. Depression, or depressive disorder, is common among older adults and not a normal part of aging. It’s an actual illness, and it’s treatable.

 
Sleep disorders Late-life insomnia is a common complaint among aging adults and as many as 65% of older adults voice concerns over at least one sleep disturbance. While sleep patterns can change with aging, about seven of eight older adults reporting sleep disturbances also report at least one mental disorder, particularly depression and memory problems.
Suicide Older adults who attempt suicide tend to be more isolated, have a definitive plan of how to commit suicide, and be more likely to succeed than younger adults. Mental health issues are often linked with suicides, especially in older males. Nearly 1% of deaths among the 50-85+ age group in 2019 were suicides.
Alcohol and substance dependency Nearly one million adults aged 65 and older had a substance use disorder in 2018. While there have been increased rates of prescription and illicit drug misuse among older adults, alcohol remains the most abused substance. Excessive drinking and drug use can worsen mood disorders and memory issues.
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IV. How Therapy Can Benefit Aging Adults

Individual or group therapy for seniors provides numerous benefits when delivered by a mental health professional who understands that depression, anxiety, and other conditions are psychiatric illnesses. The right therapist can help address specific mental health issues while keeping age-specific factors in mind, which provides a wide array of benefits, including:

  • Managing emotions related to the aging process and the many life changes that occur as you age
  • Dealing with grief from losing a long-time mate and numerous older friends or family members
  • Addressing fears of getting older, including the mental and physical effects of aging and facing mortality
  • Coping with mood changes impacting your appetite, energy levels, sleep patterns, anxiety levels, etc.
  • Managing well-being, finding alternate social outlets and enjoyable activities following retirement
  • Getting help with alcohol or substance abuse and suicidal ideation
  • Exploring the benefits of medications that improve specific conditions like depression and anxiety
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V. Additional Ways to Help Seniors with Mental Health Issues

Therapy for seniors is vital in helping with mental health issues. However, in addition to therapy, older adults need support from their loved ones. This is especially true for those that have trouble remembering to take medications or scheduling and getting to medical and therapy appointments.

How to pick the right therapist for seniors

The right therapy for seniors can help aging adults improve their mental health and overall quality of life. This starts with finding a therapist with training and experience in age-appropriate therapy techniques that you can trust.

  • Consider therapy needs: There are several types of therapists, but not all are trained or experienced in working with seniors. Medications, psychotherapy, and other interventions must be modified for age and health status. The therapist must understand key age-related issues and life stressors. To ensure a good fit, ask for credentials, therapeutic approaches, and training related to your specific problem.
  • Consider online vs. traditional therapy: Traditional therapy occurs in a therapist’s office, which may be difficult for seniors who have limited transportation options. Online therapy makes it easier for seniors to attend sessions without leaving the comfort of their homes. Older adults who struggle with new technology may find it intimidating to connect over the internet. Most online therapy platforms are simple to use. However, assistance from a friend or family member may be needed until the technology becomes familiar.

Help seniors manage appointments

Starting therapy can make an older adult uncomfortable or even nervous. Going with a supportive friend or family member – even just in the lobby – can help, at least for the first few sessions.

Unfamiliarity with computers and the internet can complicate scheduling appointments, so support and teaching may be needed. Some older adults might have trouble remembering when to make appointments or keeping scheduled appointments, so reminders may be necessary. This support can be invaluable to seniors maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Help with medications

Seniors may need reminders to take medications and request refills when they’re running low. There are numerous medication management tactics to avoid overdosing, missing multiple doses, or running out of crucial prescriptions.

Technology may be able to help, such as programming a smartphone to send them medication reminders or using an automatic pill dispenser that sends out alarms each time a dose is due.

Paying for medications can be difficult for seniors with limited income and resources. Support finding more affordable pharmacies or applying for prescription aid plans can help. Seniors on Medicare may qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. You may also find state-based prescription drug assistance programs, and many drug manufacturers offer assistance to those with low incomes.

Record symptoms to report to providers

Ensure your loved one gets the right medical and mental health care. Therapy for seniors works best if the therapist has as much information as possible about their patients’ struggles. There are ways for you to help your aging relative provide important information to all their providers.

Start by creating a personal health record containing their latest medical information. Request copies of medical results, including lab tests, radiology results, pathology reports, hospital discharge summaries, and other clinical notes. Include a current list of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

Once you’ve compiled all vital medical records, keep them in a folder or use an online personal health record. Most of this information is valuable to medical doctors. However, these records also help a therapist understand the medical side of your loved one’s issues. To help your loved one remember what they were told to do following medical appointments, ask their provider to write down important take-aways from the visit for them to refer to as needed.

Be available and encouraging

Being available when your loved one needs assistance or companionship can make a huge difference in their mental health and overall well-being. They may have lost numerous avenues for socialization due to retirement, limited mobility, or the death of older friends. Interaction with others helps with loneliness and feeling isolated. Suggest activities like shopping or going places they like to go. Find structured social opportunities and functions where they interact with other older adults.

It’s also important to encourage them to take good care of themselves, including eating right and exercising. Eating nutritious foods is one of the best ways for seniors to maintain their overall health. If mobility issues cause your loved one to seek out easy to prepare foods that aren’t healthy, arrange for meal preparation assistance. Encourage exercising by finding activities your aging relative enjoys and can do with others for the added benefit of providing an outlet for socialization.

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VI. Senior Mental Health Resources

Turn to these authoritative resources to learn more about organizations that provide further information on mental health issues impacting aging adults and those living with mental disorders or dementia.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: HHS is in charge of protecting the health of all Americans, including aging adults. It offers a list of resources focused on healthy aging for seniors, including some for mental health and locating benefits for older adults. Phone: 877-696-6775

Administration on Aging: The AOA enforces provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides links to Aging and Disability Resource Centers nationwide and information and resources for behavioral health, brain health, elder abuse, support for people with dementia, and supportive services for older adults. Phone: 202-401-4634

Eldercare Locator: Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and connects older adults with local support resources and community-based organizations that serve older adults. It offers a searchable database for supportive services, health, housing, insurance and benefits, elder rights, and transportation. Phone: 800-677-1116

ADvancing States: ADvancing States, formerly the National Association of State Units on Aging, represents the agencies on aging and disabilities and long-term services and supports nationwide. It compiled a comprehensive list of state aging and disability agencies, including contact information and profiles of services provided to aging adults. Phone: 202-898-2578

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The N4A represents the nation’s network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging and the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. It supports a variety of aging services and provides a list of resources for older adults. Phone: 202-872-0888

National Resource Center on Native American Aging: The NRCNAA assists in developing community-based solutions to improve support services for the Native American aging population. It provides numerous resources for elderly Native Americans, including an Elderly Service Center Locator that provides information on each state with these centers. Phone: 800-896-7628

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA strives to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on all Americans. It offers free resources on mental health and substance use disorders among older adults, including a guide linking older adults with medication, alcohol, and mental health resources. Phone: 877-726-4727

American Association of Retired Persons: AARP helps the 50-plus population find the resources they need. Its mental health center provides information from top experts on depression, anxiety, coping, and other mental health concerns for aging adults. Phone: 888-687-2277

MedlinePlus: MedlinePlus is the National Library of Medicine’s consumer health website, which provides information from the National Institutes of Health, plus links to information from other government agencies and trusted health information providers, such as the CDC. It has an entire section dedicated to older adult mental health. Phone: 888-346-3656

National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging: The NCMHA brings together professional, government, and consumer organizations to improve the availability and quality of mental health preventive and treatment strategies for older Americans. It provides an extensive list of resources for aging adults seeking information about mental health care. Phone: 309-531-2816

National Council on Aging: The NCOA delivers the tools and resources to ensure older adults can age with health and financial security. Its behavior health section provides information for aging adults trying to manage ongoing mental illness or coping with emotions caused by grief or life changes. Phone: 571-527-3900

National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center: The NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. Its Information Resource Center provides information on older adults and mental health, including links to specific mental health topics and organizations providing help for mental illness. Phone Number: 866-615-6464

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA provides health care services to eligible military veterans. It has various mental health resources, information, and treatment options accessible to Veterans and the general public to learn more about specific mental health topics. Phone: 800-698-2411

Center for Medicare Advocacy: The Center is a national, non-profit organization promoting access to comprehensive Medicare coverage, quality health care, and health equity for elderly adults. It provides details on Medicare coverage of mental health and substance abuse services for all Medicare recipients. Phone: 202-293-5760

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: The SPRC at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center receives funding from grants awarded by the HHS, SAMHSA, and CMHS. The SPRC provides numerous resources on reducing risk factors and preventing suicide in older adults and other topics related to seniors. National Crisis Hotline: 800-273-8255

National Center for PTSD: The National Center for PTSD is operated by the Veteran’s Administration and offers information on how age-related factors can interact with an older adult’s PTSD symptoms and associated problems. Other resources include dementia and PTSD and pharmacological treatment for older Veterans with PTSD. Phone: 800-273-8255

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VII. Sources

Learn more from the sources used in this article:

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