On World Older Persons Day, read this article to find out the signs of mental illness in older people and what you can do to prevent or manage them.
Both young and old can suffer from mental illness. Older people may ignore it, thinking that forgetting some things and feeling depressed from time to time are all natural signs of aging. But that’s not necessarily true. According to World Health Organization data, about 15 percent of people over the age of 60 have some form of mental disorder. According to WHO, about 3.8 percent of the elderly population suffers from anxiety disorders. So, every year on August 21st, World Older Persons Day, let’s take a look at the red flags of mental illness in the elderly.
Signs of Mental Illness in Older People
There are several ways to find out if an older family member has a mental illness.
1. Social isolation
Dr. Dimple Mehta, a counseling psychologist and craniosacral therapist at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, said that withdrawal from people can lead to poor communication skills and difficulty in speaking, which can be a mental health problem. He points out that it could be a sign of a struggle.
2. Emotional distress
Mental well-being and distress depend primarily on social relationships. Older people who start avoiding social situations can quickly become agitated, agitated, or irritable.
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3. Loss of interest in self-care
Self-care is very important and shouldn’t be neglected even as you get older. So if they start neglecting grooming, hygiene and self-care, it could indicate something is wrong.
4. Weight change
Experts told Healthshot that sudden and unintended weight loss can be caused by changes in appetite, activity levels, persistent depression, loneliness, sadness and social isolation.
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5. Changes in sleep patterns
It may be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. In some cases, older people may be experiencing excessive sleepiness.
6. Anxiety
Parents always worry about their children and grandchildren. But when there is anxiety, it reaches another level. They constantly worry about a person’s safety, well-being, and daily life, even when there is no need for it.
7. Memory impairment
Difficulty remembering names, difficulty understanding forgetfulness or speech, and difficulty recalling recent conversations are all warning signs of mental illness.
Mental Health Problems Common to Older People
Anxiety disorders are common in older adults, but there are other mental health issues as well. Here are some of them:
1. Depression
Depression causes a great deal of suffering and can lead to dysfunction in daily life, experts told Healthshot. Older people with depression lose interest and enjoyment in activities. Older people with depression may have decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
2. Dementia
Dementia impairs memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily activities. Experts say it mainly affects older people, but it’s not considered a normal part of aging. According to WHO, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. May be involved in 60-70% of dementia cases.
Tips for Preventing Mental Illness in Older People
Help prevent mental health illnesses in older family members. Here’s what you should do:
• Provide resources to meet requirements. Gardens, balconies, religious sites, etc.
• Ensure their safety. Older people feel safe when they feel loved and cared for.
• Engage your grandchildren, spend quality time with them, involve them in decision-making, and make them feel their opinions matter.
• Encourage open communication of your needs and concerns. Help them participate in recreational activities.
• Be an active listener to understand their problems and feelings and to help them express their thoughts fully.
• Encourage them to maintain a balanced diet, exercise and have regular health check-ups.
