Many countries have an aging population. In the elderly population, geriatric mental issues could arise in many people. Mental health issues, unlike convention, are not a normal process. Many older adults still have a good memory, lead active working lives, and do not have any health problems. So, the condition of cognitive degradation is more than just age-related. It can also arise due to inactivity, bad food habits, unregulated health conditions, stress, anxiety, and psychological problems.

What factors can directly or indirectly affect mental health in elderly people?

Factors that can directly or indirectly affect mental health in elderly people are listed below.

Retirement

This phase of life is a very significant milestone. It is when an active working person decides to call it a day. They enter into a life where regular working is replaced by other activities of interest to the person or could fill their time with something they love to do. Many retirees work as consultants, too – a new trend that fulfills corporates’ needs. But retirement is not pleasant for many people. They feel anxious and depressed. It could hamper their personal interactions with others. For many, it could lead to self-esteem and personal confidence issues.

Financial issues

Not everyone, but some elderly could face financial issues. They might have spent money on their treatment, marrying their children, building a home, or repaying debt. Now they are not as energetic as they felt to continue working and increasing their income. They could be dependent on their children. This could cause social anxiety and a lack of perspective. Their mental condition could be filled with riddles leading to panic attacks.

Family systems

In some societies, the elderly could lead lonely lives. In some cultures, they could be living with their children, children’s spouses, grandchildren, and relatives. In both cases, anxiety could set in. In the former case, anxiety could be because of a lack of social life. It could be because of a lack of privacy, lack of independence, stress, conflict of interest, etc. Elderly feel more helpless when they are dependent on others. They do not express themselves, which could lead to a decline in mental health.

What are the symptoms of mental health in the elderly?

Following are some of the symptoms of mental health in the elderly:

Confusion, concentration problems, disorientation, and problems with decision making

An older person in mental decline finds it challenging to arrive at decisions. They lack self-confidence and think from their perspective when deciding for others. This might cause a conflict of interest and could lead to altercations. It could further worsen their mental health condition.

Change in weight

An increase or decrease in appetite could be alarming. In the former, the older adult takes refuge in food. In the latter, the elderly person abstains from food due to depression. Both behaviors cause a change in weight.

Unexplained tiredness

A strong symptom of mental decline is unexplained tiredness and fatigue. It is more because of mental restlessness and overthinking, which could consume a lot of energy. It leaves the person with no energy and motivation to perform day-to-day tasks.

How can care Care24 help elderly people with mental health issues?

Elderly people can benefit significantly from in-home care. Care24 is an in-home care healthcare services provider. Being a comprehensive healthcare organization focused on providing in-home care, older adults will receive all support for their full recovery. In-home care specialists, clinicians, nurses, doctors, physios will work together to devise ways to help the elderly person get back to normalcy.

Conclusion

Even the elderly need as much attention as toddlers. Because the elderly are an important asset to the society. Their wisdom will clear the ways on which the young can tread on.