There’s a mental health crisis facing older adults in their families. Adults 65 and older are the fastest growing age group in the United States. In fact, by 2034, there will be more adults 65 and older than children under the age of 18.

About 1 in 4 older adults experiences a mental health condition, including depression, anxiety, dementia, substance use and more, yet 67% of them struggle to get adequate mental health care, resulting in worse medical and mental health outcomes, like suicide. Herein lies the crisis.

In this podcast episode, I discuss the mental health crisis older adults and their families are facing and I share a big announcement about what I aim to do about it.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• [03:33] What are the rates of mental health conditions among older adults?
• [05:02] What happens when mental health conditions go untreated in older adults?
• [07:16] What makes older adult mental health is a health care problem?
• [09:19] 5 ways to improve access to mental health care for older adults
• [13:07] A family faces mental health concerns at the end of life
• [15:49] What are the benefits of mental health care for older adults?
• [19:23] Learn why this topic is so important to me.
• [21:27] BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! Learn what program I’m creating to improve mental health care for older adults

Podcasts & Resources mentioned: 

• Older Adults and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Facts About Aging and Alcohol: Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults & How to Help
• Interview with Dementia Careblazers’ Natali Edmonds
• Global Council on Brain Health: Brain Health & Mental Well-Being

References: 

• https://www.apa.org/advocacy/health/older-americans-mental-behavioral-health
• https://www.apa.org/pi/about/newsletter/2018/06/older-adult-mental-health