Introduction
According to the WHO, one in 6 people will be aged 60 years or over in the world by the year 2030. The number of persons aged over 80 years is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, which accounts for 426 million people.
Social isolation and loneliness are the major risk factors for mental health issues among this population. WHO also says, one in six elderly people experience abuse by their own caregivers.
Depression, anxiety and dementia are the common mental health conditions in this population.
Are They a Burden?
Many people have the misconception that the elderly population is a burden to society. They forget the fact that elderly people share the wealth of experience and wisdom gained from their lives with younger generations.
Especially in countries like India, by providing childcare, babysitting and other household support, the elderly enable younger family members to participate more fully in their professional life/paid labour.
Many of them keep contributing to society in many ways, such as continued work, volunteer activities, or serving in leadership roles in community organisations. Most live independently.
Healthy Ageing
Staying connected socially plays a crucial role in reducing loneliness, and it is also vital for emotional well-being. We need to organise social activities to promote mental wellness and reduce depression.
Examples of such social activities include:
- Library/Reading rooms for the elderly where young people can guide them in reading
- Creative arts groups, a platform to encourage their skills and performance
- Fun clubs for the elderly – create a safe environment with healthcare facilities
Protecting elderly people from abuse is also very important, especially when the abuse is from their care providers. The WHO states that elderly abuse includes any kind of physical, verbal, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, as well as neglect by the caregiver, which is done intentionally.
Some interventions to prevent abuse include:
- Anti-discrimination policies and laws
- Guidance like educating the caregivers about how to cope up with the caregiving burden and how to prevent burnout by taking regular breaks while caregiving
- Psychological interventions for caregivers to maintain a healthy relationship with elderly dependents
- Intergenerational activities that promote bonding among them
Dignity of life is seen as an important component of elderly people’s quality of life. Reasons being people become more vulnerable and dependent on others as they grow older, and as a result, dignity in dying is a major concern among those caring for the elderly population.
Sense of autonomy (ability to make choices) and sense of integrity (ability to maintain privacy and personal space) are key factors in enhancing elderly people’s dignity of life.
Mental Health Issues in the Elderly
Anxiety and depression are the common mental health issues faced by the elderly population with physical illness. It is not the physical illness alone but the functional disability associated with it that is strongly related to depression. So, integrated care approach with psychosocial interventions will be of more help and not just medications alone.
Dementia is a very important health concern. Not just the memory disturbance but the behavioural and psychological disturbances associated with dementia make it a really challenging problem. Proper education for the caregiver in handling such patients is essential. A good social support system will reduce the caregiver burden.
Promoting Successful Aging
- Regular physical activity: Tailored physical activities based on the functional ability of an individual will improve mood and mental health
- Cognitive health: Engage in mental activities such as reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, sudoku to improve cognitive function
- Hobbies: Encourage the elderly to have creative hobbies to improve mental function
- Sleep hygiene: Schedule your sleep with a consistent bedtime and avoiding sleep anxiety will improve your mood and cognitive functioning
- Healthy diet: Good nutrition, rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals, will support both physical and mental health.
- Regular health checkup
Conclusion
- Managing chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes is essential. It will improve their emotional wellness as well as cognitive function.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression in the elderly will improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
- Elderly suicide is something we can’t underestimate. Not just medical management and psychological support but a good family support is essential for their well-being.
- Periodic assessment of your cognitive function with your psychiatrist/neurologist and early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment will slow down the progression of dementia.
- Addressing the psychological and behavioural symptoms of dementia with psychiatric intervention is needed. Psycho-social interventions, along with pharmacological management, will benefit the patient.
- Comprehensive approaches incorporating the use of telemedicine, mobile health services, outreach programs, and support groups will help to promote elderly health care.
Dr Kurinji G R
Consultant Psychiatrist,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
