Our Society Is Aging, and It Has Major Mental Health Implications

Aging has long been a source of anxiety for many people, bringing to mind fears of failing health and loneliness. Advancing scientific research has given us some power over disease and visible signs of aging. However, growing old remains inevitable.

Incidentally, the present society is heading toward a higher representation of older adults. The World Health Organization predicts that the number of those older than 60 will rise to 1.4 billion by 2030. 

This shift is primarily due to better healthcare coverage and reduced mortality. Moreover, the global birth rate has slowed, which has pushed population aging.

This social dynamic, although congratulatory for advancing medical facilities, presents mental health challenges we must address. 

Mental Health Concerns in Older Adults

The WHO statistics are not promising: almost 14 percent of adults aged 60 years and more struggle with a mental disorder. These problems reduce their quality of life and make everyday tasks more challenging to handle.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

Aging typically brings along life changes like the death of loved ones or relocating to assisted living facilities. A BMC Geriatrics study notes that many older adults experience loneliness and social isolation, which aggravates physical health issues. It also heightens the risk of anxiety, depression, and potential suicidal ideation.

The reasons behind this phenomenon are complex. Many older adults face loneliness because younger generations move to other cities to pursue career opportunities. Family units are smaller than they were some decades ago. The quality (or lack thereof) of social connections can exacerbate feelings of loneliness.

Informal social support can prove helpful in combating these negative feelings. A Frontiers study found that social support can improve the life satisfaction and engagement of older adults, particularly those from non-agricultural backgrounds who prefer to have their children close. 

Interestingly, assistance from family and relatives emerges as the most influential factor for mental wellness among senior citizens. It suggests the need to make familial and scheduling adjustments to facilitate well-being.

Cognitive Decline

Aging is also associated with a slowdown in cognitive function, which can have several consequences on an adult’s daily life. It can manifest as problems with memory and concentration. In more severe cases, it can impair one’s judgment and the ability to participate in conversations.

WebMD explains that numerous reasons could lead to cognitive impairment in old age, from blood chemistry imbalances to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body dementia. Lifestyle choices, such as exercise and participation in mentally stimulating activities, also improve cognitive function.

Addressing these challenges needs support from academia and research. The University of the Pacific notes that future social workers will require superior advocacy and care skills to facilitate social justice in aging and mental health.

In fact, some pertinent social work programs prioritize skills for working in mental and clinical health settings in geriatric care. Hybrid MSW programs can be invaluable in equipping care workers with experiential and peer learning. The combination of online, hybrid, and in-person classes makes these programs appealing to contemporary professionals who balance multiple responsibilities.

Everyday Stress

Perhaps the most trivialized yet painful impact of aging is daily stress. Contemporary lifestyles are so closely associated with stress that we may not perceive how it affects older adults more. 

Medical experts claim that stress and inflammation are related, reporting one triggers the other. Moreover, feeling stressed can impact one’s ability to perform issues like arthritis and chronic pain, which are common with advancing age.

The National Council on Aging reports that aging can worsen stress due to chronic illness and financial difficulties. Life changes and grief over the loss of loved ones can add up over time. Stress can complicate one’s ability to fulfill everyday tasks and also worsen sleep and digestive issues.

Dealing with stress requires concerted efforts that combine a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and rest. Hydration is also paramount, as a lack of essential fluids in the body can aggravate poor mental health. Since older adults may find it challenging to apply these approaches independently, support becomes vital.

Misdiagnosis of Mental Health Issues in Older Adults

Although mental wellness among older adults can be complicated, some medical practitioners may dismiss the associated problems as “old age.”  This ageism can mask serious issues that require urgent attention. 

Alternatively, doctors may attribute symptoms to cognitive impairment and physical health problems. This attitude often leads to a misdiagnosis, pulling people into a rabbit hole of ineffective medication and unsympathetic caregivers. It can also dissuade people from seeking assistance.

These circumstances emphasize the need for better training among healthcare professionals. They must develop the skills to screen elderly patients for mental health concerns even when they complain only of physical symptoms. Coping strategies and resilience developed over the years may mask the genuine cause of pain in many older adults.

Society, particularly research circles, must commit to understanding the unique needs of people over 60, a demographic many studies routinely ignore. It will reduce the incidents of misdiagnosis and make help more accessible for people who are struggling with misunderstood mental health.

In an aging society, it will be essential to make medical treatment more inclusive, covering physical and mental healthcare support for senior citizens. These interventions could be therapy-based, pharmacological, or alternative, with an emphasis on their relevance to an older population. 

In one’s sunset years, as old age is often labeled, it would be a pity not to enjoy the vibrant colors that lend life meaning.