- Wally Acevedo has over 20 years of counseling and therapy experience.
For many people, one of the benefits of reaching the Third Age (ages 65-84) is to aim for retirement and ultimately have more free time. However, being older can also bring some new challenges that people don’t always consider.
Some of these challenges can be physical or chronic health problems, mental health problems or disease development, and reduced social interaction.
Age leading up to retirement can be difficult to navigate due to health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer, and incredibly isolated due to lack of social inclusion and stigma. At this point in older people’s lives, they are going through many transitions.
Many of these transitions can be life-altering, such as older friends experiencing physical or chronic illness, death, loss of consistent income, or loss of mobility. However, it becomes increasingly difficult during the journey to receive proper care for mental and physical health.
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Older people accessing health care face many other barriers, including inadequate insurance coverage, affordable care, lack of trained geriatric mental health providers, and lack of comprehensive programs and services. doing. Studies estimate that up to 63% of older people with mental disorders do not receive the services they need.
As our loved ones may experience difficulties in the next chapter, it is important to know other ways family and friends can help:
educate others
“Educate your friends and family about mental illness and provide factual information to de-stigmatize,” says Acevedo.
Educate others that mental health needs to be cared for like any other medical issue. Remind others that labeling someone as mentally ill can be harmful.
advocacy
Contact your representative about pursuing more inclusive legislation surrounding better coverage of mental health services and treatments for older adults. Try to highlight the demand for collaborative communication among physical and mental health providers and the growing need for trained mental and physical health providers for older adults.
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social support
Older people need to remind their loved ones that they are still worthy, talented, and strong.
Try to stay in touch with your loved ones and take the time to listen to them. Encourage your older loved ones to take up hobbies they love, join local and online communities, and support groups and forums for more social interaction.
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normalize treatment
Treatment may help those who need it and may benefit others in minimizing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Talk more openly about your day-to-day struggles to encourage them to remove the shame and stigma associated with treatment.
Just because you’ve reached old age doesn’t mean you’re less important. Be there for the older people in your life and remind them of their worth. If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or other mental health issues, Center Stone can help. Become.
For more information on counseling services, call 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123).
Wally Acevedo is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of counseling and therapy experience. Acevedo currently focuses on the mental health needs of adults, 3-year-old individuals, and those managing chronic health and pain issues.
