Almost 20 percent of older adults, ages 55+, experience specific mental
disorders that are not part of normal aging. Unrecognized or
untreated, depression,
Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol and drug
misuse and abuse, anxiety, late-life
schizophrenia, and other conditions can
be severely impairing, even fatal. In the United States, the rate of
suicide is highest among older adults relative to all other age groups.
As we look forward to longer life expectancies we strive to age with
good health. Good health includes both physical and mental well-being. A
healthy mind contributes to a healthy body.
For the last several years, new research has emerged that shows there
are many things we can do to keep our minds healthy. Many of the same
things we do to keep our bodies healthy contribute to healthy minds.
Physical activity and a diet that helps lower cholesterol levels and
blood pressure also helps to keep our minds healthy by allowing our
bodies to deliver oxygen-rich blood to our brains. In addition,
activities that stimulate our minds, like crossword puzzles, reading,
writing, and learning new things, help to keep our brains healthy.
Staying engaged with the people around us and our communities plays an
equally big part in staying mentally fit.
While some forgetfulness is normal in older age, persistent memory loss
is not. And because we experience more loss as we age (family members
who move away, the death of loved ones), we are bound to experience more
sadness. However, prolonged periods of sadness or depression are not
normal as we age.
If you experience any of the following warning signs listed below, or
notice that an older relative or friend is experiencing any of these,
seek help. Older adults can first start by talking to friends or loved
ones, and find help from their family physician, internist,
psychiatrist, or geriatric psychiatrist, to name just a few
professionals who can provide assistance.
Source: Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General and the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation