Peace of Mind: Mental health for the elderly

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Many of us have beloved family, friends, and neighbors who are part of the older adult population.

Often, we don’t think of their mental health as the elderly age, but local professionals say it could strongly impact them.

According to the World Health Organization, 14% of older adults live with a mental health condition.

Katie Ehlman is the Professor of Gerontology at the University of Southern Indiana and teaches her students about the conditions the elderly face.

“Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health conditions that older adults experience,” said Ehlman.

In some of our Tri-State counties, 20 percent of the population are older adults.

“There is a proportion of undiagnosed and untreated older adults who are living with mental health conditions. Depression, anxiety, and mental health conditions are not a normal part of aging,” she said.

Ehlman lists a number of reasons why older adults experience mental health conditions, including loss and grief, living with illness, caregiving challenges, and loneliness.

“How can we create opportunities where our neighbors and loved ones and those we care for can connect with others? And so if we can just create space for some of those conversations, then we can connect with that loved one,” said Ehlman.

Ehlman says helping the elderly find a primary care physician is a great place to start.

Having those conversations could open the opportunity to offer your loved one help.

“Find a trusted person to talk to and have the courage to start the dialogue. If we can work to support people of all ages in their mental health, then we’re supporting the community,” said Ehlman.

Now that we have entered the holiday season, it’s a great opportunity to be aware of the older adults in our lives and make sure they are happy and healthy.

Click here for more about mental health help.

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