Mental health care in your golden years

Introduction:

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals across all age groups. Contrary to popular belief, these concerns do not disappear as a person reaches age 60 and beyond. Older adults need to remain mindful of their mental health and be aware of the available resources tailored to their unique needs. Recognizing this, experts emphasize the importance of mental health care for older adults. Dr. Ari Lakritz, a clinical psychologist at OSF HealthCare, sheds light on effective approaches to achieve positive outcomes in therapy sessions with this age group. In addition, advancements in technology, such as telemedicine, have played a significant role in addressing the mental health needs of older adults, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Focus on Interpersonal Therapy:

Dr. Lakritz highlights the relevance of interpersonal therapy for older adults, which centers around relationships and an individual's place in the world. With retirement and reduced emphasis on professional or financial matters, older adults tend to prioritize their remaining relationships. The therapy sessions for older adults may follow a similar structure to those for younger individuals, but psychologists must be attuned to the specific needs of this age group. Factors such as mobility issues may necessitate accessible office environments, while homebound individuals may require home visits or virtual sessions.

The Role of Telemedicine:

Telemedicine appointments have gained increased significance during the pandemic, particularly for older adults who were already experiencing social isolation. COVID-19 fears and government restrictions further hindered their ability to connect with loved ones and engage in social or coping activities. However, the adaptation to technology among older adults has been noteworthy, as they quickly embraced remote meetings and virtual interactions. This development has been a game-changer in the field and is likely to persist beyond the pandemic.

Continued Learning and Cognitive Stimulation:

Dr. Lakritz emphasizes the importance of older adults continuing to acquire new skills and knowledge, as it fosters self-esteem, cognitive stimulation, and intellectual challenges. Engaging in learning new things and reasoning serves as significant protective factors against dementia. Encouraging older adults to engage in cognitive activities and acquire new skills can have profound benefits for their mental well-being.

Confronting Biases and Misconceptions:

Another crucial aspect of providing mental health care to older adults involves confronting biases and dispelling misconceptions about this generation. Dr. Lakritz challenges the common belief that older adults are slower workers, emphasizing that such assumptions are often based on folklore rather than factual data. These misconceptions can act as barriers to receiving appropriate mental health treatment, and it is essential to address them in order to ensure older adults have access to the care they need.

Taking the First Step:

The OSF HealthCare website offers a comprehensive range of mental health resources for older adults. It is recommended to explore these resources and initiate conversations about mental health with older friends and family members. Given the historical context in which they grew up, where "self-care" was not a commonly used term, it is vital to approach these discussions with empathy and trust. By expressing genuine concern and offering support, individuals who have established trust with older adults can encourage them to seek professional help and address long-standing mental health concerns.

Conclusion:

Prioritizing mental health care for older adults is crucial, as mental health concerns do not diminish with age. Employing interpersonal therapy and adapting to the specific needs of older individuals can yield positive outcomes in therapy sessions. Technological advancements, such as telemedicine, have provided a lifeline during the pandemic, allowing older adults to maintain social connections and access mental health support. Encouraging continued learning and cognitive stimulation contributes to self-esteem and acts as a protective factor against dementia. Addressing biases and misconceptions about older adults' capabilities

References:

(https://newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/mental-health-care-in-your-golden-years/)