Episode 24: Mental Health Awareness Month

Hi friends, and welcome back to another episode of Deliberate Aging. I'm so glad you're here with me today. 

You know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thought—what better time to talk about our mental well-being, especially as we age?  We’ll talk about the unique challenges older adults face when it comes to mental health, what warning signs to look out for, and—most importantly—we’ll explore simple, practical ways we can nurture our emotional and psychological health. 

As we get older, life brings with it all kinds of changes. Some are welcome—like retiring and having more free time, seeing our families grow, or finally taking that trip we've dreamed about. But other changes can be tough. Maybe we’re dealing with a serious illness. Maybe we’ve lost someone close to us. Maybe we’ve had to move out of our homes or adjust to living alone. 

According to the CDC, about 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern, with the most common issues being anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders like depression. 

What are the most common mental health issues older adults tend to encounter? 

1. Depression 

2. Dementia 

3. Anxiety

4. Substance Abuse 

5. Suicide 

 Let’s pause and talk about something at the heart of all this: loneliness. 

We humans are social beings. We need connection like we need food and water. 

Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and this isolation significantly increases the risk of premature death, on par with smoking and obesity. 

That’s powerful. But there’s good news: even small steps can make a big difference. Picking up the phone. Saying hello to a neighbor. Joining a community group. These actions matter more than we might think. 

 Our physical health and mental health are tightly linked. You’ve probably noticed it yourself—when you feel unwell physically, your mood suffers. And when you're anxious or depressed, it's harder to take care of your body. 

For example, older adults with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis are more likely to experience depression. And depression can actually worsen the outcome of those physical illnesses. 

 What are some ways we can protect and even improve our mental health as we age? 

1. Nurture Social Connections 

2. Get Moving 

3. Music Therapy 

4. Find a Sense of Purpose 

5. Keep a Gratitude Journal 

6. Engage in Hobbies 

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed There is zero shame in asking for help. Therapy, support groups, medication—these are tools, not weaknesses. 

Personally, when I feel stressed I have a few things that I do.   First, I love to put on my favorite music and dance.  Second, if my stress is from work, I try to remove myself from my office and go outside to look at the trees and nature.  Lastly, spending time petting my cat helps me to calm down – as soon as Simba starts to purr, I can feel my stress melting away. 

 

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System - PubMed 

Depression and Older Adults | National Institute on Aging 

Depression and Aging | Healthy Aging | CDC 

What to Know About Mental Health as You Get Older 

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