Renata Zahra
Home Manager at Casal Nuovo, HILA
October is a month when we are mentioning International Day of Older Persons and World Mental Health Day. This is an excellent occasion to reflect on our seniors and promote the importance of taking care of our mental health.
Ageing is an inescapable part of life that brings new opportunities, as well as challenges in life which may have an impact on our physical and mental health. When it comes to mental health issues, it is not a normal process of ageing as it can affect anyone. However, with age comes a greater risk for exposure to mental health issues and therefore it is crucial to understand the relationship between ageing and mental health while ensuring a filled quality of life for an older person. Older people may have coping or support mechanisms that may prevent the effects of mental health disorders, however, there is always a risk of breaking point.
Dealing with life transitions
One of the most life-changing aspects that may cause a decline in our mental health is retirement, which most of us take for granted and ignore. Such a life transition can lead to loneliness, social isolation, and the feeling of being worthless, which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, in today’s world, many stigmas exist, and the older population is not likely to acknowledge the struggle and may view mental illness as a sign of weakness or being in denial. Such tabu keeps an older person from seeking proper help or any help at all. Without seeking early help, mental health problems can have a high impact on an older person’s ability to carry out basic daily living activities which may affect physical health and quality of life. Declines in physical health, such as pain and loss of mobility play along with our emotional health, which may lead to feelings of helplessness and sadness, anxiety, depression, and self-exclusion from social life activities. In addition, another concern comes when an older person is having trouble with cognitive abilities such as loss of memory. This can cause even more frustration, anxiety, and fear of losing independence.
Supportive environments are crucial
It is important to take care of our mental health as it may affect how we think and feel, and how we are coping with life’s ups and downs. As we move through different stages of life and because of various circumstances that life brings to us, our mental health can be affected. Increased awareness of mental health signs and problems among families and caregivers of older persons can help identify rising issues at an early stage and encourage them to seek help. The right supportive environments provide safety and reassurance to an older adult. Taking care of our mental health and physical issues in old age is crucial as it can help one to lead fulfilling and happy lives.