Mental health complications are no longer associated with shame and isolation. Even so, society still lacks a good understanding of how to discuss it and how it impacts our loved ones. Mental health issues can hamper the quality of life regardless of the age of the person. But with elderly patients, it becomes more important as they need more care and support from their loved ones.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of people over 60 years of age in the world will nearly double from 12% in 2015 to 22% in 2050. As of December 2017, 15% of that population was already dealing with a mental illness.
Here are five major mental health conditions that affect ageing adults:
Depression
According to WHO, “Depression is both underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care settings.” It is also the most prevalent mental illness among elderly people and can result from social isolation or be a sign of dementia.
When an elderly person feels isolated, it’s critical to keep in mind that a friend is just as valuable as a companion. Even when surrounded by others, people might still feel alone, yet having even one confidant or supporter can significantly alter how someone feels about themselves. Family members or the client themselves should be willing to choose whom they’d like to work with and be willing to change if their companion, nurse, or carer doesn’t make them feel comfortable.
Bipolar Illness
Due to its resemblance to dementia, late-onset bipolar disorder can be challenging to diagnose. Manic behavior, delusions, disorientation, hyperactivity, psychosis, agitation, and cognitive impairments like memory challenges, lack of judgment, and sensory problems are just a few of its symptoms.
It is challenging to identify and frequently misdiagnosed in the elderly population because similar symptoms are also regularly experienced as people age.
Schizophrenia
Hallucinations and paranoia are among the symptoms of late-onset schizophrenia, which can affect individuals after the age of 45.
However, schizophrenia can still strike at any age and affects 20 million individuals globally today. The WHO states that thought, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behaviour are all distorted in this long-term, severe mental disease. Hallucinations, hearing voices, and delusions—fixed, incorrect beliefs—are frequent occurrences.
Schizophrenia patients have a two to three times higher risk of dying young from physical conditions like heart disease, metabolic disorders, or an infection, all of which are curable.
The good news is that schizophrenia can be controlled; medications and psychosocial assistance have been proven to be successful treatments. Some practical strategies for managing schizophrenia include assisted living, supported housing, and employment.
Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination are frequent occurrences for those who have this illness. Finding the appropriate care, company, and support for persons who are susceptible to discriminating behaviour becomes even more crucial.
Anxiety
Similar to depression, anxiety is a relatively frequent condition in the elderly. According to reports, over half of older persons who experience anxiety also experience depression.
Although many other factors are associated with anxiety disorders, including difficulties sleeping, poor health, medicinal side effects, drug and alcohol addiction, physical limitations, stress, trauma, and more. Constant concern or fear that worsens over time is the core of general anxiety disorder.
l Warning signs can be:
l Excessive anxiety
l Nervousness
l Continual tiredness
l Irritability
l Poor caliber of sleep
These signs can influence how a person interacts with others, goes about their daily tasks, and works. To stop this disease from getting worse, elderly people must seek home care, medical attention, mental support, and even counseling, if necessary.
Eating Disorder
Seniors are susceptible to eating problems, including bulimia and anorexia nervosa. It is even more harmful because behaviors and psychological problems that exacerbate these illnesses often go unnoticed.
l Warning signs can be:
l Drastic change in weight
l Muscle tremor
l Reduced appetite
l Persistent dizziness
l Utilizing laxatives
l Slow recovery
l Memory issues
It’s crucial to provide the elderly with meaningful resources if they need monitoring or assistance in their daily lives or if family members no longer live close by. Home care is still a popular option for families because it saves the client the hassle of looking for care and brings the care right to their homes.
Ishita Bagchi is the Head-HR & Operations at Vesta Elder Care.