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Old age hits everyone differently where some may experience certain mental and physical challenges. As people age, they may face various mental health challenges, and addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. It is common to suffer such problems with old age. However, proper senior citizen health care is what they need. Senior citizens' mental health is an important aspect of their overall well-being, and it deserves special attention and care.
At times, adapting to the changing physical dynamics, gradually becoming dependent on younger ones in the family and losing the ability to be on your own can all affect mental health. Hence, it is essential to notice these changes and help out your elderly members because senior citizens mental health often remains unacknowledged. All you need to do is understand them and take care of them so they get the best medical treatment and enjoy their old age to the fullest. Let’s stay tuned for some of the senior citizens mental health issues and various tips for the good mental health of senior citizens.
Symptoms of Senior Citizen Mental Health Issues
With age, it is obvious for people that their ability to do daily tasks, physical health, and their grasping power may all become slow and weak. It further makes it difficult for others to recognise when they suffer a mental illness. Here are some of the signs that you may look to distinguish mental illness senior citizens:
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Insomnia
- Constantly worrying
- Increased irritability
- Uncommon behaviour
- Changes in eating habits
- Physical health degradation
- Taking longer than usual to do certain tasks
- Negative thoughts or suicidal thoughts
Depression in senior citizens can be a common mental illness. Other than this, one may also suffer from dementia, anxiety, insomnia, mental distress, etc. The major causes behind this can be loneliness, physical and adaptive changes, and social isolation. It is the responsibility of the younger ones in the family to be careful of such signs and watch out if there is a need to consult a doctor. In case they already have mental health insurance or senior citizen health insurance, it will be a great idea to see a doctor.
What can Trigger Mental Illness in Senior Citizens?
One may wonder why various types of mental illnesses are common with old people. Also, at times it becomes quite difficult to distinguish between aging effects and signs of depression in senior citizens. This may be because humans are social animals, and once you lose ties with people around, it may become overwhelming for old people to deal with it. Throughout life, people experience a lot of ups and downs and old age may give strong flashbacks, causing further sadness. Here are some known causes why the mental health of senior citizens may be affected:
1. Loss of Loved Ones
Losing loved ones at any age is an irreparable loss. With each passing day, it only becomes easier to live with the heartache, but the grief never actually fades away. When older people suffer the loss of their loved ones, especially their spouse, it may become extremely overwhelming for them to deal with it. Such a situation may lead to senior citizen mental health issues.
2. Loneliness
Loneliness can affect the mental health of any age group, especially older people. Living alone with no one to talk to, share lunch with, and watch movies with can be quite depressing. It may lead to social isolation as well.
3. Social Isolation
When people lose ties with society, like neighbours, friends, colleagues, or family, it is obvious for them to feel depressed. Social isolation may be caused due to physical inabilities.
4. Physical Limitations
Many old age people suffer from bone problems or may be advised bed rest or a wheelchair. In such a situation, one becomes heavily dependent on others. The feeling of social cut-off and dependency can become tough to deal with.
5. Critical Disease
With age, getting certain physical illnesses has high possibilities. In case someone suffers from a critical illness, it may also lead to mental illness. Constant feelings of hopelessness may lead to depression in senior citizens.
6. Retirement
Those who have worked as a professional throughout their life may find it difficult to cope with retirement life. Initially, it may be exciting to finally get time and free time. However, since one has a history of a busy schedule, gradually passing days may become heavier, especially when you already are surrounded with certain grief or loneliness.
>> Also Read: Government Schemes for the Benefits with Senior Citizen in India
Tips to Improve Senior Citizen’s Mental Health
It's important to recognise that mental health in senior citizens is a complex and multifaceted issue. Addressing it effectively involves a combination of medical, social, and psychological interventions.
Younger ones in the family may wonder how to manage senior citizens and mental health. Well, there are a few things that can help your older ones live a better life, a happier life. Also, if you are ageing, you may take a few steps to make a better retirement life. These include:
1. Joining a New club or Group
If you have a society club or any old age groups around, make the senior members of your family to join one can be a great idea. The boredom of sitting idle at home can be interestingly wiped off by joining something like a club. They may meet new people and make friends of your age.
2. Spiritual Connections
Connecting with a higher power, say spiritual power, can also be a good option. Often, people of old age get involved in spirituality, reading holy books, etc. It not only keeps them engaged but also develops spirituality.
3. Acts of interests
You may encourage old parents to do things they are interested in. Also, due to responsibilities, people often stop doing their favourite things like drawing, playing board games, stitching, some games, etc. At this age, one can begin with these hobbies again.
4. Talk to Them
Time is the most precious thing you can give to someone who is already struggling with the feeling of loneliness. You may not have sufficient time every day, and they completely understand this. But you can at least try to spend some time daily with them.
Ask them how the day was, and it may be more than their expectations. Sometimes, when your grandmother comes to your room, she isn't always invading your privacy; she may be sitting there just to feel at home. Let her be. Talk to your parents.
5. Make them Feel Valued
Small acts can make elderly people valued and included. For instance, when you decide on the family, include them and ask them for their opinion. They may never pressurise you, but this small gesture makes them feel valued. Remember, they are old now, but they are the ones who raised you with all the good decisions in life, so now is your time to return to them.
6. Regular Health Check-up
Mental and physical health go side by side. Hence, you also need to ensure good health for your parents. Going for a regular check-up can help maintain the balance and cure diseases in their initial stage.
Wrapping it Up
Providing a supportive and caring environment for seniors is essential in ensuring their mental well-being as they age. Senior citizen health care is a shared family responsibility. Giving them sufficient time, making them feel included in family decisions, helping them follow their long-lost passion, and encouraging them to live their old age at its fullest are a few things you can do for them.
Apart from these, regular health check-ups and quality medical treatment are also a must. You may also invest in senior citizen health plans such as Care Senior, offered by Care Health Insurance. It offers comprehensive coverage for senior members at affordable premiums. For more information you can allow our experts to connect with you or visit our official website.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
