Aging can present a number of unique challenges. While you may have years of wonderful memories and a great deal of wisdom you may also be experiencing changes in your eyesight and hearing. Aging can bring about new physical aches and pains, though there may be some pains that are not just physical in nature. It is important to not forget about your emotional and mental health as you age. You may find yourself developing symptoms of depression and anxiety as you face these challenges, know that you are not alone.

The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health as We Age

People are living much longer these days. Despite medical advances, aging is inevitable. To many seniors, aging also comes with a number of health issues as they experience an increased risk for chronic medical conditions. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “… 60% of older adults had 2 or more chronic conditions. Their common chronic conditions include heart disease, cancer, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Our physical health is linked to our emotional health. This connection does not change as we age, and it must be addressed. Many physical health conditions correlate with mental health conditions and can make treatment more difficult if one area is not treated effectively. Because emotional health is crucial to overall physical well-being, the emotional concerns of seniors deserve the same level of concern as their medical concerns.

You Are Not Alone

The planet is aging, and so are its people. The World Health Organization says that “Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12 percent to 22 percent.” It is even estimated that older adults will outnumber children under five years old by the year 2020. This dramatic demographic shift says many things. For seniors like you it is a powerful reminder that you are not alone.

Because the senior population is fast growing, many things can change or improve. More money and effort will be channeled into medicine and research for this age group. Knowing the importance of emotional wellness, the question is: Will this area receive the same attention as medical research? There is little evidence that seniors are receiving prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment, insofar as their mental health is concerned. For varied reasons, many are either undiagnosed, undertreated, or untreated. Are you one of them?

Realities About Aging

Aging is a natural result of cellular changes in the molecular level. Even without any external damaging factors, it will proceed as soon as you are born and continuously so, every second of your life. The process can be accelerated by unhealthy lifestyles and genetic predispositions. Aging is accompanied by a gradual decline in physical and cognitive capacities. Know, however, that all these changes are neither steady nor directly affected by age in years. You have the power to change the course of your aging process.

Along with physical changes, aging can be accompanied by a number of life changes as well. A great deal of adjustment must be made surrounding retirement, children growing up, having less social involvement etc. If you are facing a number of life changes and health concerns, you may be more susceptible to depression and anxiety.

Signs You Need Help

Mental health concerns are quite common among seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “5% of seniors 65 and over reported having current depression and about 10.5% reported a diagnosis of depression at some point in their lives.” While these numbers may not seem large at first glance, it is important to note that many cases are undiagnosed and untreated. One reason for this is that signs and symptoms may not be readily recognized. Seniors are more likely to identify physical symptoms rather than psychological symptoms.

When should you see a counselor? If you are considered ‘high risk,’ the answer may be as soon as possible. The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation lists the following symptoms of concern in older adults. Take note that the majority have links to physical issues and sickness:

• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Change of environment, like moving into assisted living
• Dementia-causing illness (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease)
• Illness or loss of a loved one
• Long-term illness (e.g., cancer or heart disease)
• Medication interactions
• Physical disability
• Physical illnesses that can affect emotion, memory and thought
• Poor diet or malnutrition

A Place for Mom also offers the ten symptoms that you must keep an eye out for as these may indicate the need for immediate counseling or therapy:

1. Changes in appearance or dress, or problems maintaining the home or yard.
2. Confusion, disorientation, problems with concentration or decision-making.
3. Decrease or increase in appetite, changes in weight.
4. Depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks.
5. Feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness; thoughts of suicide.
6. Memory loss, especially recent or short-term memory problems.
7. Physical problems that can’t otherwise be explained: aches, constipation, etc.
8. Social withdrawal, loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable.
9. Trouble with finances or working with numbers.
10. Unexplained fatigue, energy loss or sleep changes.

Therapy and Aging

Armed with the wisdom that comes with age, you may find yourself thinking that you would have changed a lot of unhealthy habits, if you were younger. You may not have the power to turn back the hands of time, but you do have the power to make changes now. Therapy can help with this.

Achieving good emotional health is not impossible, even when you are experiencing a number of challenges. Over 80 percent of those seeking help recover from depression or anxiety after receiving the treatment. Enjoy your life and make the changes you want to see. There is much more left for you to accomplish. In a supportive environment and with the help of an experienced counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC you can have many happier days. Call today to schedule your first appointment.