{"id":28611,"date":"2023-09-25T07:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T07:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=28611"},"modified":"2025-04-17T18:25:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T18:25:06","slug":"mental-health-challenges-older-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/mental-health-challenges-older-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental health matters at all ages","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Aging is one of the few things in life no one can avoid.<\/p>\n

We can, however, control how we age.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith each decade, I ask my patients how they want the next decade to look,\u201d says Tara Tschampel, NP<\/a>, MultiCare Tacoma Central Internal Medicine<\/a>. \u201cYou have a choice, and your mental health is part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are things you can do each day to improve not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, says Tschampel, who specializes in geriatric primary care. Addressing all aspects of your health is especially important during the big transitions that come with aging, she adds.<\/p>\n

Whether preparing for your own future or supporting aging family members, here\u2019s what you should plan for and talk about to ensure not just a healthy life, but a happy one.<\/p>\n

Life looks different as we age<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As we age, we\u2019re likely to spend more time at the doctor, take more medications and need more assistance with daily tasks.<\/p>\n

Some people may not want to spend their time caring for themselves. But when you\u2019ve been told it\u2019s necessary and you\u2019re dependent on others, it\u2019s easy to fall into the routine set for you.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a society, people are afraid to talk about dying. It may be something we talk about with friends but avoid with family, but it\u2019s an important conversation for anyone to have.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Many older adults are also likely to spend more time alone as others around them age or they\u2019re unable to travel solo. Even those who have moved into assisted living facilities with group events and activities may not feel inclined to participate.<\/p>\n

Others may find their inability to do things they used to enjoy \u2014 such as working, running or reading \u2014 to be frustrating and saddening.<\/p>\n

Big life changes can impact our physical and emotional well-being at any age, but the impact is especially hard as we age and feel less able to make a change for ourselves.<\/p>\n

The warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts<\/h2>\n

When we can\u2019t adequately cope with or respond to life changes, our quality of life can decline. People 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group, according to the National Council on Aging<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 2021, suicide rates for this age group were reported at 22.4 per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>. These numbers are believed to be underreported \u2014 up to as much as 40 percent \u2014 due to \u201csilent suicides,\u201d such as overdoses, self-imposed starvation and dehydration. Men in this age group are at a heightened risk, Tschampel adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we get older, we all think about dying, but is that suicidal or is it just a natural part of aging?\u201d she says. \u201cTo wonder \u2018When is it my time?\u2019 is normal. But some of it\u2019s not, like actively saying you want to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctors and other health care providers can screen for emotional well-being during appointments, but they\u2019re only with patients a limited amount of time and often must rely on feedback from family or caregivers \u2014 especially if a patient isn\u2019t one to talk about their emotions openly.<\/p>\n

Some key indicators that an older adult may be depressed or considering suicide include:<\/p>\n