Does your aging parent sleep more? Do they not get out with their friends as much? Maybe they are not as interested in their hobbies as they used to be. Sometimes this is part of aging, and that is OK. However, in some cases, it may be a treatable issue. At Agewell Medical Associates, PC, we provide superior primary care for older adults right here in Colorado Springs, and we see every day how emotional well-being shapes quality of life. This post walks through five reasons mental and emotional health matter so much in the senior years, along with practical answers to the questions local families ask us most.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
1. Mental Health Supports Whole-Person Well-Being
Emotional health affects every area of a senior’s life. Sleep quality, medication routines, appetite, energy, and the ability to manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can all be influenced by mental health.
The Mind and Body Are Connected
When older people do not get depression or anxiety diagnosed and treated, their physical health may get worse. Their recovery rate can slow down, and their eating habits may change. Their motivation to follow treatment plans may also fade. This connection between mental health and physical health is evident in our own Colorado Springs clinic. Older people who are active, engaged, and emotionally supported are often in better general health.
2. Behavioral Health Affects a Senior’s Ability to Maintain Independence
One of the most important reasons to prioritize behavioral health for older people in Colorado Springs is that it can support independence. For most older people, the ability to remain in one’s home and continue making their own decisions is of great importance.
Resource: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Untreated Problems Can Impede Activities of Daily Living
Depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline that are left untreated can make it challenging for older people to think clearly or to follow through on decisions they’ve made. They may find it difficult to remember to take their medications. Managing money may become harder for them. They could also have a difficult time taking care of themselves. This may occur slowly, and it can often be overlooked by the senior, family, and even the medical team until activities of daily living are harder to manage.
Tools Available to Help Older People Maintain Independence
However, there are tools to help with early detection and treatment of these conditions, and older people can return to having the motivation, structure, and confidence needed to continue to maintain their own independence. Therapy, structure, tools, and routines can mean the difference between requiring a higher level of care or continuing on with your daily life. At Agewell, maintaining and preserving independence for older people is our core mission, while always focusing on safety.
3. Staying Connected Keeps Loneliness at Bay
Loneliness is more than just an emotional state. It can be a significant health problem for older adults and is therefore an important part of senior care.
Loneliness Contributes to Depression and Poor Physical Health
Research has revealed that social isolation is associated with higher rates of depression, accelerated cognitive decline, and greater risk of physical disease. Older people may be more susceptible after being widowed, ceasing to drive, or becoming disconnected from their family. These changes can take place slowly, leading us to notice them only when there has been a shift in a senior loved one’s mood or memory.
Resource: health.harvard.edu
Re-establishing Social Connections
Fortunately, it is possible to re-establish a senior’s social life. Families in Colorado Springs might be surprised at how many options there are, including community senior centers, programs at the recreation department, congregational groups, hobby clubs, and many more. This can also make an impact by regularly visiting or sharing meals, or by making a daily phone call to help your loved one feel less isolated.
Resource: nia.nih.gov
4. A Diagnosis Made Early Improves Prognosis and Options
When symptoms of cognitive changes are identified early, older people and their families have more options available and more time to consider and plan. Waiting too long reduces these options.
Is This Normal Aging or a Symptom?
There are some aspects of cognition that generally are to be expected with the passing of time. Examples might include a momentary struggle to find a particular word or setting your car keys in the wrong place. That, however, is a far cry from serious memory loss, confusion, or a general inability to carry out daily tasks. These types of issues, not to mention mood or behavior changes, are red flags that should not be automatically attributed to the aging process. A proper examination may reveal that a person is suffering from dementia, depression, or another condition that is amenable to treatment.
Act Sooner Rather Than Later
The sooner that a proper evaluation can be done, the better it will be in most cases. A diagnosis made through appropriate testing can make the condition far easier to treat. Furthermore, it affords the affected person and their family the opportunity to begin that path and make in-the-moment decisions that allow them to plan for the future. A delay often means missed opportunities, which can add stress for you and your loved ones.
Local Resources Available
Caregivers who care for an older relative in Colorado Springs have access to a variety of local resources that can help them find the answers they need for their loved ones and themselves. The first step, of course, is to figure out exactly what resources might be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Depression?
Dementia and depression can appear quite similar, though they are separate issues. Dementia is a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, or the ability to care for oneself. Depression is treatable, but its symptoms can sometimes resemble signs of dementia. This is why it’s important to speak with a primary care provider.
Does Medicare Cover Behavioral Health Services?
Yes. Medicare covers different behavioral health services, including depression screenings, talk therapy, psychotherapy, and other mental health services. Preventive services, such as depression screenings, may have no or low out-of-pocket cost for you depending on your plan. Make sure to review these details with your plan before making an appointment.
Resource: cms.gov
How Do I Talk to My Parent About Behavioral Health?
Begin by being compassionate toward your parent and yourself. Select a quiet time in which neither of you is rushed or stressed. Communicate out of concern for what you’ve observed as opposed to blaming or accusing them. It might also be helpful to share that lots of people talk with a provider when they want to feel better. You can offer to go with them to the appointment if that would make them feel more comfortable.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health
Your behavioral health matters. A senior’s behavioral health is no less important than their physical health as they age. Mental and emotional wellness can affect physical wellness, independence, socialization, early identification of health issues, and a sense of being supported through each stage of aging. Contact Agewell Medical Associates, PC to schedule a visit.