Seniors

Although mental health problems are not a normal part of aging, it is estimated that more than one in five older Americans suffer from a mental health condition or a substance use disorder. The most common mental health issues for older adults are anxiety and depression which often go hand-in-hand and which are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Issues of loss — of loved ones, of employment, of physical health and functioning– and of social isolation can often precipitate or worsen these mental health issues. Sometimes older adults identify only physical symptoms such as fatigue, aches and pains and loss of energy or they assume that these feelings are a normal part of aging. This can make identifying and treating mental health issues more complicated and can delay the older adult getting support and relief for their symptoms.