With the U.S. population now older than ever, the relevance of Older Americans Month has never been more evident. Four million Baby Boomers will turn 65 in 2024 — 12,000 a day, earning the phenomenon the name “Peak 65.” By 2050, 82 million Americans will be seniors, a 47% increase compared with 2022, according to the 2023 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report.
For Older Americans Month, NewBridge Services offers information and advice for making the most of the golden years, especially in the area of mental health of older adults.
“What Frank Lloyd Wright said, `The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes,’ is a truism when you have the support and know-how to embrace the golden years,” NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden said. “Social connections and self-care are key to enjoying old age.”
What Mental Health Issues are Common in the Elderly Population?
In terms of mental health, loneliness and depression are prevalent. With aging can come the loss of lifelong loved ones, a big change in living arrangements, and new aches and illnesses. Those changes obviously can affect the mental health of older adults. After the kids are grown and work is no longer part of the daily routine, maintaining social connections requires intention. As of 2020, about 27% of U.S. adults age 60 and older were living alone, according to the Pew Research Center.
The theme of this year’s Older Americans Month is “Powered by Connection,” in recognition of the profound impact that meaningful relationships have on seniors’ health and well-being. Seniors are urged to join clubs, volunteer and regularly call family members and friends.
Of course, when you’re struggling with physical pain or psychological changes in old age, or are caring for a partner with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, you may feel you have neither the time nor energy for socializing. NewBridge offers advice for caregiving to a loved one with Alzheimer’s here.
NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) is an excellent resource. It connects seniors in Morris County with available community resources, and provides case management and regular check-ins from a NewBridge nurse. NewBridge@Home provides in-home mental health counseling to homebound older adults and caregivers. New Jersey’s 21 county Offices on Aging all offer comprehensive services for residents age 60 and up.
What do Seniors Struggle with the Most?
Financial security. An estimated 1 in 3 seniors have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the National Council on Aging.
Elder abuse. Hundreds of thousands of older adults are abused, neglected, or financially exploited.
Scams. The most common scams involve government impersonation, sweepstakes, and robocalls. In 2022, they cost older adults in the U.S. $3.1 billion in losses.
Psychological Well-Being. The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights the importance of supporting the mental health of older adults with a tailored approach to address age-related stressors and promote resilience.
Ageism. Studies have shown that age bias among healthcare providers can lead to undertreatment, inadequate attention to older patients’ concerns, and disparities in healthcare outcomes, according to the Gerontological Society of America.
Healthcare. Personal health care spending for Americans age 65 and up $22,356 per person in 2020, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Mobility. A disability of movement can affect independence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the importance of accessible environments, assistive devices, and community support services.
Self-Care in Older Adulthood
Older adults will see a big payoff in investing time in self-care. Even if you’re retired, maintain a daily schedule. This is especially important when it comes to sleep. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours a night, and be consistent with the times you go to bed and wake. Not getting enough quality sleep can lead to mental and physical health problems.
Making connections with others, engaging your interests and developing new ones, and doing things that make you laugh all contribute to your well-being. Like exercise, meditation is a great stress reliever. When life feels overwhelming, many people find professional counseling beneficial. NewBridge Services’ licensed clinicians conduct in-person and telehealth counseling sessions; call (973) 316-9333 to schedule an appointment. If you find yourself in an emotional crisis, call or text 988 24/7 to get immediate support.
Physical Activity and Mental Health in Older Adults
Regular physical activity improves the mental health of older adults, reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The National Institute on Aging recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. Do a mix of cardio exercise, stretching and resistance training. Harvard Medical School offers a video series demonstrating exercises that help seniors improve balance.
Eat healthy meals that include a variety of foods to ensure you get needed nutrients. Enjoy lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products or non-dairy alternatives. Skip or greatly limit soda and other beverages packed with sugar. The National Institute on Aging offers plenty of tips here.
Older Adults Mental Health Services
In addition to those already mentioned, NewBridge Services offers several other programs for older adults. Through Tame the Pain, older adults and caregivers learn about the risks of opioids and alternative approaches to chronic pain management, as well as practical approaches to health and wellness. There is growing evidence that exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, physical therapy, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and chiropractic care can help manage pain, often in combination with medications like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Bodies in Motion, a free gentle movement-to-music program, helps ease aches and promotes connectedness. NewBridge offers Bodies in Motion virtually and in person. For more information, contact Beth Jacobson, NewBridge’s Director of Community Response and Education, at (973) 686-2242 or ejacobson@newbridge.org.
