They paid their dues and did their part to raise a new generation of families and leaders, yet seniors remain underserved when it comes to mental health needs.
No other group of people in America has a higher suicide rate and their specific mental and physiological needs are the most neglected in the nation. Most of the elderly who committed suicide had seen their physicians as recently as 30 days prior, some as little as 24 hours prior.
Seniors face a combination of issues that can snowball into a situation that may seem overwhelming to them. Not only is their mind perhaps not as keen as it once was, but their bodies are also beginning to slow down. In addition, since society places such emphasis on remaining young, they may feel useless and outdated and they may often be treated with little respect.
Depression is a common issue with the elderly, particularly those who have a less-than-positive outlook on life and/or those who have few friends or family for support. Seeking help for their depression may seem repugnant, due to the stigma of mental illness that was prevalent in previous decades.
Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and contractures often afflict the elderly. Alzheimer’s disease occurs when a chemical called acetylcholine is lacking in the brain. This causes cognitive dissociation to the point that the person eventually becomes incoherent.
Alzheimer’s can be a contributor to the overall symptom of dementia, which is when a person experiences loss of memory, behavior and personality to the point that their daily life is significantly impaired.
Contractures may occur due to disuse of muscles in the elderly. The effects of the aging process may not allow the individual the physical ability that they once had; therefore their muscles may actually shorten and harden due to physical inactivity. It has been proven repeatedly that physical activity has a direct link to mental wellness.
Many of these issues can be cured with proper medical treatment and care. However, the status of the healthcare system for the elderly does not generally address these issues. Therefore, rather than being able to relax and enjoy the remainder of their lives with respect and dignity, these individuals who have spent their lives as productive members of society are left instead to languish, suffer and die in understaffed and impersonal care facilities.