As we advance in age, we undergo various changes, both physically and mentally. A great emphasis is often put on physical health, with less attention given to mental health. This article explores an often underrated issue: geriatric mental health. This issue is an integral component of the overall wellbeing and quality of life of the older population that desperately needs to be brought into the limelight.
What is Geriatric Mental Health?
Geriatric mental health, also known as geropsychiatry, deals with the identification, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in the elderly. These disorders commonly include dementia, depression, anxiety, late-life addiction, and schizophrenia among others. Declining physical health, chronic pain, isolation, and losses are some of the reasons that contribute to these problems.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in the Elderly
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder. This explicitly clarifies the prevalence of mental health disorders among the elderly is high. Yet somehow, geriatric mental health does not receive the prominence it deserves in conversations about healthcare.
Why is Geriatric Mental Health Often Ignored?
Several factors contribute to the oversight of geriatric mental health. For instance, many people, including some healthcare professionals, perceive mental health problems like depression and anxiety as being part of normal aging, which is incorrect. This means that older people with these conditions, or their caregivers, may not recognize these as illnesses that need treatment.
Another factor is the stigma associated with mental health, which often leads to reluctance in seeking help. Many elders are uncomfortable expressing feelings of desolation, anxiety, or depression. They worry about becoming a burden to their family or fear that expressing such feelings may lead to societal rejection.
The Impact of Ignoring Geriatric Mental Health
The neglect of geriatric mental health has far-reaching implications. Mental health problems can significantly impact the physical health and overall wellbeing of an older person. For instance, untreated depression can lead to malnutrition, decreased physical activity, and increased morbidity.
With the expansion of the elderly population, the importance of addressing mental health issues in older adults has increased. By neglecting mental health, societies are ignoring a rapidly growing health concern that has profound implications for older individuals and society at large.
Addressing the Issue of Geriatric Mental Health
Proper care for and attention to the mental health of the elderly is crucial. We need better public understanding about mental health and aging, increased screening for mental disorders in primary care, home care and long-term care settings, more geriatric mental health specialists, and more research on ways to deliver effective mental health services in primary care.
Moreover, doctors, family members, and caregivers should be watchful for any signs or symptoms of mental disorders in the aged. Early detection can lead to early treatment, which can drastically improve the elder’s quality of life. Reducing stigma associated with mental health and encouraging discussions about mental health will also play a crucial role in dragging this issue from the shadows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geriatric mental health is an underrated issue that needs more attention than it currently receives. As we continue to experience an increase in life expectancy, mental health in old age becomes more and more important. Thoughtful, proactive measures are required to handle this public health concern effectively to ensure that our elderly get the medical and psychological care they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Geriatric Mental Health
What are the most common mental health issues among the elderly?
Depression, anxiety, dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), and schizophrenia are some of the most common mental health conditions in the elderly.
Why is mental health often neglected in the elderly?
Mental health issues in elderly people are often neglected due to a lack of awareness about the importance of mental health, stigma surrounding mental health issues, the misconception that mental health problems are part of the normal aging process, and a lack of specialized geriatric mental health providers.
How can we improve mental health care for the elderly?
We can improve mental health care for the elderly by increasing awareness about mental health issues in the elderly, education for healthcare professionals, routine mental health screenings for elderly patients, providing more mental health resources for the elderly, and promoting research in geriatric mental health.
