Mental Health and Seniors

According to the World Health Organization (2022), having good mental health is essential for personal, social, and economic development because it enables people to deal with life’s obstacles, fulfill their capabilities, learn, work, and participate in their communities. Mental well-being is a basic human right that exists on a multifaceted spectrum with different levels of challenges and suffering. Mental health issues encompass conditions such as mental illness, psychosocial problems, and other mental disorders that are linked to substantial distress, impaired functioning, or a heightened risk of suicide. Psychological, biological, and social elements affect mental health. Risks can appear at any age, with risks in early childhood being especially harmful. Social ability, education, and community are social factors that enhance resilience.

Efforts to promote well-being and prevent problems can lessen the risks of problems arising and boost resilience. Promoting mental health and preventing issues involves recognizing various factors that influence mental well-being and reducing the potential harm. Efforts in this area should focus on education, employment, justice, transportation, environment, housing, and social services; a key global concern is suicide prevention. Enhancing mental health involves national efforts to ensure that individuals with mental health issues receive support from community-based mental health services. This approach has proven to be more budget-friendly and well received than hospitalization, aids in preventing human rights violations, and enhances recovery results. It encompasses the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, community-based mental health support, and services offered in non–healthcare settings and social services.

Additionally, the availability of caregivers is a catalyst that enhances the mental health of older adults. Kaplan (2023) explained that caregivers have a duty to support seniors who are grieving. Individuals who have lost loved ones are at a heightened risk of suicide and declining health. Caregivers and healthcare providers must be vigilant for these signs.

References

Kaplan, D. B. (2023). Effects of life transitions on older adults. Merck Manual Professional Edition. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/geriatrics/social-issues-in-older-adults/effects-of-life-transitions-on-older-adults

World Health Organization. (2022, June 17). Mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response