Mental Health

More than just peace of mind

One out of every five adult Americans suffers with mental illness. Some mental health problems that occur after the age of 50 include dementia, delirium, psychosis, schizophrenia and depression. Those past retirement age suffering with mental health problems tend to have abnormal cognitive and behavioral patterns that are often associated with decreased ability to function. Other prominent symptoms include sleep disturbances, a change in appetite and mood swings. In most cases, the mental health problems of this generation require treatment. Improper treatment of mental illnesses of this demographic seems to the most prominent reason contributing to high suicidal rate in these people. Many of these people require specialized mental health services.

Roadblocks to Good Mental Health

However, there are several reasons that contribute to improper mental health services to those over 50, such as:

• In many cases, they are reluctant to undergo treatment for their mental health disorder. They continue to harbor discomfort and stigmas, thereby showing resistance to leaving their homes and going to a rehabilitation center or a clinic.
• Often there is a lack of respect or dignity for individuals suffering from mental health problems. Even mental health professionals can be apprehensive about an aging person with such a condition. The beliefs and attitudes of these professionals have a significant influence on the quality of the medical care provided to patients.
• Medical negligence is another big hurdle. In many situations, symptoms of mental health diseases are just written off as indicators of aging.

Other major hurdles include scarcity in federal- and state-supported community prevention programs, inadequate private health insurance coverage and lack of well-trained mental health staff.

Each day, close to 80,000 baby boomers celebrate their 50th birthdays. For boomers, healthy aging encompasses both physical and mental health. As an example, the number of Americans who run marathons has increased exponentially over the past 20 years, and the biggest increase is found in the over-40 crowd. But even those who aren’t pounding the pavement are staying active in a variety of ways, from regular trips to the gym to adventure sports like scuba diving and skiing.