As days pass, we grow older and realize the importance of being surrounded by those who love and care for us. We turn to those we trust for advice whenever needed as we have the confidence that they want the best for us. Having quality company can provide us with a greater sense of purpose in our lives, which also adds value to our overall emotional and physical health.
While it is common for us as growing adults to be in consistent contact with trusted ones, it does not seem to be the same for older individuals. They tend to struggle with loneliness as they retire and reach a certain stage of their lives where social contact decreases.
According to a survey conducted by CDC, results reveal that more than one-third of adults above 45 years old deal with loneliness, and almost one-fourth of adults above 65 socially isolate themselves. This comes with a set of challenges on its own, as it can increase unnecessary stress levels within them and pave the way for greater mental health issues such as anxiety and depression to take place.
As such, the need to understand isolation and the associated mental health challenges is essential to reducing the prevalence of it in older individuals.
What are some challenges that older individuals face?
Many of us tend to overlook or be unaware of the daily struggles that older individuals experience until we spot signs of health decline in them. Older individuals also may tend to put up a strong front to appear fit or be in denial of changes to their physical or mental capabilities. However, many of them face everyday challenges that can impact their overall well-being. Some of the challenges they face include:
Financial anxiety
Some older individuals struggle with managing their finances efficiently especially if they are at the retirement stage of life. In addition to having insufficient funds, they might also have to spend a hefty sum of money on medication especially if they struggle with multiple illnesses and have to bear out-of-pocket costs.
Workplace discrimination
As individuals age, they tend to lose sense of their sharp-mindedness due to a cognitive decline in their brain structure. This might cause them to battle with low levels of self-confidence as they may perceive themselves to be less deserving or worthy of a task, in comparison to younger individuals who are faster, sharper, and more alert.
Challenges with daily tasks
For most older individuals, it is common for them to require extra assistance when it comes to their everyday tasks. This could be providing a helping hand when it comes to getting dressed, out of bed, shopping or cooking, among others. Being present with them provides them with the support that they need while allowing them to thrive as individuals. If your loved one needs additional support, consider engaging the help of qualified healthcare professionals like nurses who have completed online MSW programs as they are skilled in understanding the needs of you and your loved one.
What mental health challenges do we face as we age?
In addition to the aforementioned struggles, they also battle with isolation and mental health challenges that can pose a serious threat to their physical health as the two aspects of our lives are interlinked. Some of the mental health challenges older individuals face as a result of reduced physical capabilities and a potential loss of independence include:
- Anxiety. Adjusting to retirement and other major life changes of older individuals can cause anxiety due to the disruption of familiar routines. The prospect of becoming dependent on others for care can also create anxiety about the future, probably one of the reasons why the highest rates of anxiety occur after the age of 82, reaching 16% of the elderly population.
- Depression. It is estimated that approximately one third of older people suffer from depression worldwide. Older adults often experience the loss of loved ones, which can lead to prolonged grief and depressive symptoms. Sometimes, reflecting on unachieved goals and life regrets can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction and distress.
- Insomnia. Aging naturally affects sleep patterns, reducing deep sleep and increasing night-time awakenings.That’s why 50% of older adults complain about difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Besides, pain and chronic conditions can interfere with sleep patterns, as well as some medications taken by older adults.
Steps to take to prevent isolation and ease mental health challenges
Older individuals require emotional support and encouragement from retirement and onwards to healthily cope with these big changes in their lives. Without it, they may lose their drive and sense of purpose. Keeping that in mind, there are a few things there they can do to ensure that they age gracefully and with purpose:
Participate in social groups
Many of us may seem to have the misconception that we can only fit into certain types of social groups, depending on our interests and lifestyles. However, this should not be the case for older individuals as they are encouraged to explore their interests and hobbies. Social groups are a great way of making new friends and interacting with other individuals and can act as an outlet for them to be true versions of themselves. These are beneficial to their mental health to combat loneliness and isolation as well as the mental health challenges that they may face.
Follow a well-balanced diet
Since our physical and mental health are linked, older individuals need to obtain nutrients through well-balanced meals. This is to maintain their brain health, which can allow them to stay sharp even with aging. Older individuals are encouraged to follow a diet that is made up of the five food groups.
Engage in therapy
For older individuals who live alone, it is essential for them to have healthy channels to express their feelings without any judgement or discrimination. Therapy does just that, as it provides a safe space where individuals are allowed to gain greater insight into how they can better cope with changes in their lifestyles and the mental health challenges that they face as a result of these big changes.
Protecting the mental health of your loved one
Our mental health is an essential component of our lives for a variety of reasons. It allows us to cope with our stress levels, which is pivotal in guiding us to leading a life that we love. In addition, it can also allow us to manage life changes and our choices better. This also applies to older individuals, who tend to struggle with isolation and greater mental health challenges. As such, we must take the necessary steps to protect the mental health of ourselves and our loved ones as they age.
References:
Cai, H. et. Al. (2023) Global prevalence of depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological surveys. Asian Journal of Psychiatry; 80: 103417.
Donovan, N. J. & Blazer, D. (2020) Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Review and Commentary of a National Academies Report. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; 28(12): 1233–1244.
Welzel, F. D. et. Al. (2019) Prevalence of Anxiety Symptoms and Their Association With Loss Experience in a Large Cohort Sample of the Oldest-Old. Results of the AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe Study. Front Psychiatry; 10: 285.
Patel, D. et. Al. (2018) Insomnia in the Elderly: A Review. J Clin Sleep Med; 14(6): 1017–1024.
Leave a Reply