Written by: Christine LI
Edited by: Marina Matveyeva
Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our wellbeing at any age but it becomes especially important as we grow older. According to the World Health Organization, over 14% of adults aged 60 and older experience a mental or neurological disorder, with depression and dementia being particularly prevalent, thus significantly affecting their emotional and social well-being (World Health Organization, 2023). In my own experience working as a nursing assistant in a hospital with a high population of geriatric patients, I’ve noticed firsthand how many older adults experience significant alterations in their mental state, often coupled with rapidly declining physical health. Many patients I’ve worked with face increased confusion, agitation, and difficulty maintaining independence, significantly impacting their quality of life and overall happiness.
Several factors contribute significantly to mental health challenges in older adults: Social isolation, chronic physical health conditions, financial stress, emotional toll of losing loved ones, and unfortunately, abuse by caregivers. Abuse is a reality that one in six older adults experiences, often at the hands of those entrusted with their care. This form of abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even neglectful, further exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. I have seen patients in a hospital setting who appear withdrawn only to reveal that they are victims of neglect or mistreatment. Older adults who experience abuse are not only at a higher risk of worsening mental health but also suffer from physical health deterioration due to inadequate care. Social isolation is another major contributor, as I’ve seen patients who become isolated due to loss of relatives and friends or limited mobility quickly spiral into loneliness, depression and cognitive decline. The WHO emphasizes how detrimental loneliness can be, even linking it to increased risks of heart disease and cognitive impairment (World Health Organization, 2023).
Depression is one of the most common yet overlooked mental health challenges among older adults. Often, symptoms are dismissed as normal signs of aging, not realizing that depression can have profound effects on daily living–losing interest in hobbies they have enjoyed for decades or withdrawing from social interactions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression in older adults frequently coexists with physical ailments, further complicating their treatment and recovery (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Another major concern in aging populations is dementia, particularly Alzhemimer’s disease, which progressively impairs memory, decision-making, and the ability to live independently. There's not only an emotional toll on those diagnosed with dementia, but also for their families and caregivers who often shoulder the responsibility of providing round-the-clock care. The rising occurrence of these conditions highlight the need for the integration of mental health in geriatric care as well as offer support for caregivers who often experience significant stress and emotional challenges.
Addressing these issues requires a more compassionate approach. Raising awareness and openly discussing mental health can significantly reduce stigma and encourage older adults to seek help early. My experiences working in healthcare have reinforced the importance of accessible and tailored mental health services, such as support groups and therapy. Encouraging community involvement, volunteering, and social interactions can drastically improve mental and emotional well-being. Understanding and addressing mental health in older adults isn’t just about clinical diagnosis, it's also about empathizing with and humanizing their experiences. Whether it’s supporting patients in hospitals or individuals in shared housing, recognizing the importance and complexity of mental health can profoundly change the quality of life for older adults.
References
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Older Adults and Mental Health. www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health
World Health Organization. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. World Health
Organization.
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