Dear Friend of Global Action on Aging,
How is your
mental health today? You and I
often recognize most of the health challenges facing older adults. But we continue to
overlook – under-report and under-treat the mental health issues that we older
people face. Why?
Some experts say that we confuse what is “normal”
aging behavior and what is “psychiatric” conditions. Of course, some people face mental health
problems throughout their lives and others develop conditions in their later
years that can be treated fairly easily.
What does
the data show? Today, about 25% of older
adults has a significant mental disorder.
It could be depression or anxiety.
Another 7% has a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Many other mental conditions go
un-reported.
Nationally in the US over the next 25 years, the number of older adults with major psychiatric
illnesses is expected to more than double from 7 to 15 million individuals as
the Baby Boom generation ages. In Hawaii, by the year 2020, every fourth person
will be 60 years or older. Without good
treatment, these conditions can lead to increased disability, additional
caregiver stress, poor health, increased mortality and even greater risk of
suicide.
Apparently,
older persons are less likely than younger persons to recognize their own
mental health problems. Only about 3%
see a mental health professional for help, a rate far lower than persons of
younger ages. Nearly one elder in seven
suffers from depression. . . .but yet 70 to 90 % don’t seek or get any
treatment.
If you are
feeling “blue,” or persistently discouraged or sad, seek help. Get to a doctor or a sympathetic person that
you trust to ask for help. Get the
help you need to recover your positive take on life. Life is short; enjoy the day!
Susanne Paul
for Global Action on Aging
No comments:
Post a Comment