It's important to stay well at any age

Handle on Health

By Judith Allender

(Updated: Friday, March 21, 2008, 12:00 AM)

Mental health services has always been the greatest weakness in our health care delivery system. Pair this problem up with our increasing aging population and we have a huge segment of our population dealing with issues ineffectively and without adequate professional help.

More emphasis needs to be placed on the mental health needs of older people. Why is the problem compounded in the elderly? Mental health issues are more common in the elderly partly because of the stressors associated with:

- living with chronic health conditions and the barriers they place on being independent and active

- the loss of a spouse or partner, family members and other loved ones, friends, a pet and the social network they no longer are able to participate in

- isolation due to physical, emotional, or mental health problems

- inadequate income for basic necessities or to maintain your previous lifestyle

Aging successfully you have to deal with losses successfully. In old age these losses mount up and if you weren't able to deal with stress associated with change when you were young you will have greater difficulty as you age.

Mental health problems take many forms and can be more difficult to recognize in the older population. Physical complaints mask them and are misinterpreted as a normal part of aging. Memory loss can be caused by depression, disease, medication toxicity or family issues.

Major barriers are the lack of mental health services available to the aged and the additional costs on an already limited income. Food, shelter, utilities, and medications take precedence when there is only so much income to go around. Medicare and MediCal offer very little coverage for mental health care. Some of the other barriers older people identify include, lack of transportation, limited mobility, poor health, lack of energy, social stigma and embarrassment, and religious beliefs.

Many of these issues can be overcome but they will take time. First, as an older adult you need to be aware of the mental health problems you may be more susceptible to. If you are aware of the potential areas of stress you can be better prepared for what is to come. For instance, if your only interest is TV and your vision fails how will you enjoy your later years? You need to diversify your interests when you are younger so if your vision fails you can still listen to books on tape, enjoy exercising, or listen to music.

Education is most important. You need to know the types of treatment that are available and where to turn for help. People need to know that mental health problems are no different from physical health problems and help eliminate the stigma associated with such problems. Programs that offer in-home social support can be an effective tool for older people dealing with a sense of loss, isolation, or adjustments they must make in their personal lifestyles.

You can help yourself and others as we all age. Create positive mental health behaviors and stay well.