American Psychiatric Association’s Post

By 2030, 1 in 6 people will be aged 60+. As our world ages, mental health concerns among older adults grow—14% already live with a mental disorder, and loneliness and abuse are major risk factors. It's crucial to prioritize healthy aging through social connections, mental health support, and protection against ageism and abuse. Let's ensure older adults receive the care and respect they deserve. #HealthyAging #MentalHealth #ElderCare #loneliness 

The elderly are often overlooked in conversations about mental health, facing both stigma and a lack of resources. https://loom.ly/pJ0ttzA It's important to remember and advocate that mental health issues do not discriminate by age - our senior citizens are just as affected. Let’s raise awareness, provide support, and remind everyone that mental well-being is important at every stage of life, especially in our later years. 💙 #ElderlyMentalHealth #EndTheStigma #ThriveAwareness #thrive #thrivecares #alf #ltc #seniorcare #thrivebehavioralsciences

Approximately 14% of those aged 60 years or older are predicted to encounter various forms of mental health issues (WHO, 2023). The prevalent conditions encompass anxiety, profound cognitive impairment, and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Mental health issues frequently have a role in occurrences of suicide. Men in the older age bracket exhibit the most elevated rate of suicide compared to other age groups (CDC, 2021). The suicide rate for men aged 85 years or older is 55.7 per 100,000, whereas the overall average for all age groups is 14.04 per 100,000 (AFSP, 2021). These statistics show how important it is to involve the geriatric population in mental health conversations and bring awareness to the services that are here to assist! #geriatricmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #LTCpsychservices #seniorservices #suicideprevention https://lnkd.in/eCHi-jVZ. https://lnkd.in/eZBn5dsZ https://lnkd.in/eSJqDr3R

1 in 4 older adults in Europe, North America & Central Asia have depression. Access to go mental health care is a fundamental right, yet often overlooked in older populations. Risk factors come from environmental conditions like retirement, bereavement, chronic illness, social isolation, and ageism. Depression is at rates 20-35% for those aged 60+, significantly higher in older women, and increases with age, exceeding 50% in some countries for those 80+. Public awareness, integrating mental health into primary care, training healthcare professionals in geriatric mental health, and offering specialized services for older adults are starting places. #MentalHealth #HealthPolicy #AgingPopulations

Depression is NOT a normal part of aging: As we age, staying socially connected is crucial for our mental health. Engaging in community activities, such as volunteering, joining clubs, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are risk factors for depression. Dr. Samantha Farro emphasizes that while older adults may face unique challenges, they are also incredibly resilient: meaningful connections can support mental wellness in senior communities. Read more about how to combat loneliness and foster engagement in older adults UCHealth   https://lnkd.in/gPeVkwqz #MentalHealth #AgingWell #CommunityEngagement #HealthyAging #Loneliness #Resilience #SeniorCare

"By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly one in five Hoosiers will be 65 or older. This demographic shift cannot be ignored because any increase in the older population will increase the demand for mental health services. But, how and where older Hoosiers receive those services are just some of the questions the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission hopes to answer. While effective mental health treatments are available, they are not always utilized. The reasons why they are underutilized vary but can include things like the stigma attached to mental health or a person’s resistance to treatment. A very large reason is a lack of access to these important services in our communities." Just a small snippet of the article by Jason Tomcsi, AARP of Indiana. Read the entire article in the link below. https://lnkd.in/gbYxt5qb

Aging into older adulthood comes with unique mental health challenges, including physical decline, loss of loved ones, and reduced cognitive function. These stressors can lead to diagnosable mental illnesses or cause psychological distress that affects daily life. This article explores the broader need for mental health care beyond just diagnoses, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges with effective policy solutions. Read more to understand how we can better support the mental health of adults 65 and older > https://loom.ly/Tktv-nE #thrive #thrivecares #alf #ltc #seniorcare #thrivebehavioralsciences

There's so much focus on physical health as we age, but often overlooked is how we address mental health challenges in the aging process. This month is #mentalhealthawareness month, so we decided to take a deep dive into leading mental health indicators across the country. Would it shock you to learn that the percentage of older adults who experience mental distress has risen by almost 25% since 2015? Read on to learn how older adults are managing mental health in your area! #seniorliving #aging #mentalhealth https://lnkd.in/eJQGAW8Q

To raise awareness for #TimeToTalk Day 2024, we discuss why older adults do not get the support they need for mental health issues and why talking is a powerful way to change that. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/48Xrttm #timetotalk2024 #awarenessdays

As a caregiver, I witness the daily impact of mental health on aging loved ones. It's time we shine a light on mental health in aging adults and ensure they receive the support and resources they need. Retirement, loss of loved ones, and health changes can all impact mental health. By creating environments where aging adults feel valued, heard, and empowered to prioritize their mental health, we can make a positive difference. Let's work together to make mental health a priority for the aging population. Reach out to learn more about how TELUS Health can support and check out this resource from WebMD to learn more about mental health in older adults: https://lnkd.in/gWcuhqhT.