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Older Adults and Mental Health

Why is it important to take care of our mental health as we age?

As people age, they may experience certain life changes that impact their mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Although many people will adjust to these life changes, some may experience feelings of grief, social isolation, or loneliness. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

Mental health is important at every stage of life. Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeing a health care provider are the first steps to getting treatment.

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn more about taking care of your mental health.

What are symptoms of mental disorders in older adults?

Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
Increased worry or feeling stressed
Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
Misuse of alcohol or drugs
Sadness or hopelessness
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Engaging in high-risk activities
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
Engaging in thinking or behavior that is concerning to others
Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel (Click Here)

Mental Health

Administration for Community Living

National Council on Mental Health and Aging

Older Adults and Mental Health

CDC

SAMHSA Resources

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Find links to authoritative, up-to-date information from agencies and organizations with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Caregiving Tip Sheets and Resources
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs. These tips can help caregivers become informed and find support.

Arthritis

Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in the United States. Older people most often have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.

Cancer

Age and Cancer Risk
Cancer strikes people of all ages, but you are more likely to get cancer as you get older. Learn what cancer is, what to look for, and how it is treated.

Diabetes

Diabetes in Older People—A Disease You Can Manage
Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to dangerous health problems, such as heart attack or stroke. There are things you can do, however, to take control and prevent problems.

Fall Prevention

Older Adults and Fall Prevention
Falls—and the injuries and deaths they cause—are increasing. Learn how you can prevent falls.

Hearing

Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have many different causes. Learn about common causes of hearing loss and when to see your doctor.

Heart & Lung Health

Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Learn how you can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine.

HIV/AIDS

Growing Older with HIV
New medications and treatments have increased the life expectancy of people with HIV. Learn how aging affects living with HIV.

HIV/AIDS
HIV risk doesn’t stop at 50. Men and women over age 50 account for 17% of all new HIV and AIDS diagnosis. Learn how to prevent HIV.

HIV, AIDS, and Older People
You may have thought HIV was something only younger people have to worry about, but anyone at any age can get it. Learn more about HIV/AIDS.

Vision

Aging and Your Eyes
Protect your vision and eye health as you age. Learn about glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, presbyopia, detached retina, and other problems.

Staying Active

Exercise and Physical Activity
Physical activity is an important part of healthy aging. Find tips on how to fit exercise into your daily life safely and get motivated to get moving!

Older Drivers
Getting older does not necessarily mean a person’s driving days are over. Learn how to ensure you and your loved ones are safe on the road.

Aging at Home: A Guide for Home Improvements – PDF
Tips for modifying your home to be more accessible helps prevent falls and injuries, and provides peace of mind for you and those around you.

Get Support If You are a Caregiver
Easy-to-understand caregiver information for people who may have limited experience using the Internet and/or struggle with health literacy.

Long Distance Caregiving: Twenty Questions and Answers – PDF
If you live an hour or more away from a person who needs care, you can think of yourself as a long-distance caregiver. Read about long-distance caregiving.

National Family Caregiver Support Program
Find resources and useful links to support you and our caregiving responsibilities.

Caregiver Support
Get tips and information to help you care for your loved one with special medical needs, including programs for family members

Eldercare Locator
Enter your ZIP code or city and state to find resources in your community that provide information and assistance for older adults and caregivers.

Alternatives to Nursing Homes
A nursing home may not be your only option for long-term care. Before you make any decisions about long term care, get as much information as you can about where you might live and what help you may need.

Medicare.gov: Find Care Providers
Find and compare information about Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes, hospitals, and other providers near you.

LongTermCare.gov
Approximately 70% of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Get guidance on how to put your long-term care plan in place.

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home
With the right help, you may be able to stay in your own home and be more independent as you get older. Get the resources and support you need.

Medicaid.gov
Find out what coverage you qualify for with Medicaid – the largest public payer for long-term care services.

Health Information Counseling
State Health Information and Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer counseling on how to make the best use of your Medicare, Medi-gap, and long-term care insurance.

Area Agencies on Aging
Search this local directory for information about the aging programs and services available in your area.

American Indian and Alaska Native Care
The American Indian and Alaska Native Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Technical Assistance Center works with CMS to provide resources for American Indian and Alaska Native elders and their communities.

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