Senior Behavioral Health: What It Means and Why It Matters

Addressing mental health challenges is important at any age, but becomes even more crucial for older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, around 25% of adults over 65 are living with a mental health condition. Despite this high percentage, many seniors are dealing with untreated and undiagnosed conditions.

Seniors deserve access to mental health services that support their independence while working with their caregivers. Understanding the importance and scope of senior behavioral health is important not just for older adults, but for those who care for them.

This blog will talk about some of the ways seniors are impacted by their mental health. We'll discuss some of the behavior changes in older adults that their caregivers can look out for to ensure their mental health is addressed. Another topic we'll touch on is ways seniors living in Tampa can prioritize their emotional wellness.

Understanding the Basics of Senior Behavioral Health

Senior behavioral health refers to the emotional, mental, and behavioral well-being of older adults.

This includes helping seniors with some of the following challenges:

• Late in life, anxiety or depression
• Identifying early signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia

Many of these problems are caused by the losses experienced during the aging process. Those who work in this field are focused on providing treatment and therapy options to help seniors manage life's changes. Some of these changes can include:

• Grief from losing loved ones
• Loss of daily structure due to retirement
• Reduced independence
• Chronic health conditions
• Decreased mobility
• Relocation away from loved ones

These transitions can trigger a wide range of mental and emotional responses. If they are left unaddressed, they might lead to mental health conditions.

The Role of Emotional Wellness in Aging

Staying on top of our emotional wellness as we age is just as important as taking care of the rest of our bodies. Emotional wellness refers to being able to express, manage, and understand our feelings.

Many of the services designed to improve someone's emotional wellness focus on the following things:

• Stress management and mindfulness tactics
• Therapy or counseling for grief or life transitions
• Peer support groups
• Family involvement in care planning and treatment

These programs are intended to make it easier for seniors to ask for mental health support as they reduce the stigma surrounding it. Seniors can experience numerous benefits when they prioritize their emotional wellness.

Improved Physical Health

There is a major connection between our physical and emotional health. Improved emotional health can result in better physical health.

According to Immuse Health, positive emotions can release endorphins in your body, which can improve your immune system. A healthy immune system overall makes you less susceptible to illness.

Additionally, elderly adults who are feeling emotionally happy are more likely to participate in healthy behaviors, like eating well and exercising. These behaviors can contribute to their longevity and physical well-being.

Enhanced Mental Health

Seniors can sometimes feel depressed, anxious, or lonely. They can learn to manage these emotions better by prioritizing their emotional wellness.

Some of the ways elderly adults can give their mental health a boost include:

• Engaging in social activities
• Giving back or volunteering
• Exercising, including going for walks
• Focusing on their cognitive health
• Participating in artistic or creative hobbies
• Taking care of a pet
• Talking to a therapist

Increased Cognitive Function

Cognitive health and support for mental wellness go hand in hand. Maintaining a senior's happiness and emotional stability can help keep their brain functioning well and sharp. Certain emotional wellness activities are great for stimulating their mind, including:

• Participating in conversations
• Playing games and puzzles
• Learning a new hobby or instrument

Elderly adults who have good emotional health typically pursue lifelong learning opportunities, such as attending classes. Continuing learning can keep their mind engaged and active.

How to Identify Behavior Changes in Older Adults

It can sometimes be difficult to know when your loved one is suffering from senior mental health problems. These changes may be subtle, or you might mistake them for normal aging behaviors. There are certain red flags you should be aware of:

• Disorientation, memory loss, or confusion
• Withdrawal from normal social activities
• Agitation, irritability, or mood swings
• Changes in eating habits or sleeping
• Thoughts of suicide
• Feelings of hopelessness

Caregivers and family members are typically the first to notice these shifts. That's why it's important to maintain an ongoing in-person relationship with your loved one. It'll make it easier for you to catch these changes early on.

Contact a senior behavioral health specialist right away if you start to notice these symptoms. Don't automatically assume they're part of the normal aging process.

Ways to Support Senior Mental Health

Seniors and their loved ones can take a proactive approach when it comes to addressing their mental health. Mental health is connected to your cognitive, social, and physical well-being. That's why it's important to take an approach that addresses these factors.

A few effective ways to do this include:

• Pursuing psychiatric support, including medications
• Scheduling routine mental and physical health screenings
• Researching nutritional guidance that supports brain health
• Participating in exercise programs that promote mental and physical vitality

It's important to include the elderly individual in every aspect of their treatment plan. This not only ensures that what you're doing is to their preferences, but it also helps promote their dignity and autonomy.

Focusing on programs that support cognitive health is important for seniors, even if they're not dealing with a memory condition. Some strategies may include:

• Finding opportunities for regular social interaction
• Encouraging them to be curious and lifelong learners
• Reducing their exposure to unnecessary medications

What's great about many senior living communities is that they provide cognitive enrichment programs and opportunities to socialize.

Get the Guidance You Need for Senior Behavioral Health Support

Senior behavioral health is more than a healthcare priority. It's a quality-of-life problem that impacts the elderly and their quality of life. By recognizing the signs and feeling comfortable enough to ask for support, older adults can enjoy greater peace of mind.

The caring team at Discovery Village at Tampa Palms is here to provide our residents with memory care behavioral support. We work closely with our residents to identify their mental health needs, making adjustments to their care plans as needed. Call our office to schedule a tour of our community.