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Seniors’ Emotional Health and Well-Being
Overview
As people age, emotional health continues to be as important as physical health. Over our lives, we collect experiences and memories, some sweet and others perhaps difficult. We can’t change past experiences, but we can change how we think about them.
Learning to view their lives with hope and resilience can help seniors enjoy emotional health.
If you’re feeling down or empty, you may be at risk for depression. If you’re a caregiver for someone with a serious illness, your risk for depression is higher. It’s also important to know the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Knowing when to ask for help can help you regain and maintain emotional health.
A good way to improve your mental health is by getting involved with others. Joining classes or other group activities can also boost your memory and well-being.
Depression Symptoms
Depression isn’t a normal part of aging. It's a medical condition that affects the way you think and feel. Older people who are irritable or grumpy may be depressed. It can cause confusion, inattention, or memory problems similar to Alzheimer's disease or other brain disorders.
If you have 4 or more symptoms of depression that last more than 2 weeks, talk with your doctor.
Symptoms include:
- Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or crying
- Sleeping problems
- Appetite changes and weight loss or gain
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Tiredness or low energy
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression and similar mood changes can be caused or made worse by:
- Medications taken for hypertension or heart disease.
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes. People with depression often become unmotivated to take their medications.
People older than age 65 have the highest risk for suicide. If you or a loved one has thoughts about suicide, contact your local Kaiser Permanente Department of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, or Mental Health Services immediately, or call 911.
Anxiety Symptoms
It’s normal to feel anxious, worried, or fearful at times. Normal anxiety helps us stay focused and gives us extra energy to meet challenges. Anxiety disorder is different. You may have this disorder if feelings of worry or fear interfere with your daily life.
Anxiety disorder affects the communication centers in your brain. This can impact your creativity and relationships.
Symptoms include:
- Breathlessness or rapid heartbeat
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Muscle tension, aches, or soreness
- Sleep problems
- Feeling something bad is about to happen
Anxiety can be a symptom of depression or other health problems.
Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety disorder are illnesses, like heart disease. You can’t just "snap out of it.” If left untreated they can cause serious health issues. Untreated anxiety disorder can cause panic attacks and phobias. Depression can cause long-term suffering and even suicide.
Treatment can begin only when you accept that you need help. You don’t have to feel ashamed. In fact, getting treatment can encourage your loved ones or friends who may also need it.
Nearly 85 percent of people with depression improve with treatment. It can also help reduce anxiety. Treatment for both conditions can help prevent other health problems.
Treatment can include counseling, medication, and self-care. You can get treatment through the Department of Medicine, the Department of Psychiatry, or Mental Health Services.
Self-Care for Depression and Anxiety
Helping yourself is an important part of depression treatment. You can use these tips:
- Keep a daily schedule for sleeping, eating, exercise, and other important activities.
- Increase activities you enjoy, such as reading or spending time with friends.
- Get moving. Just 10 to 15 minutes of daily walking can help you regain energy, reduce stress, and improve your mood.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. They can make depression worse and interfere with medications.
- Learn to relax with deep breathing or meditation practices.
- Learn assertiveness skills. Ask for what you need and get help.
- Find ways to increase meaningful time with others.
- Keep a chart or diary of your self-care activities. Check in with a friend who can help track your improvement.
Relaxation and moderate exercise are beneficial for managing anxiety. We also recommend that you:
- Avoid caffeine, other stimulants, and specific over-the-counter cough medications.
- Consider joining a support group where you can learn and practice anxiety management methods with others.
Manage Stress
Our sources of stress can change as we age. You may be caring for someone with chronic illness, or raising grandchildren, or having financial problems. To stay healthy, you need to be able to manage your stress.
Some stress is normal. It helps us get tasks done. When you’re stressed your heart rate increases, and you feel like you have more energy.
Ongoing stress can cause health problems, such as headaches or difficulty sleeping.
The first step is knowing what causes you to feel stressed, and how it affects you. Many people find they can reduce stress with regular exercise and calming practices, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Improve Your Memory
Brain functions related to memory slow down as we age. We need to take steps to keep it functioning well. Good memory care includes basics such as regular exercise, healthy eating including whole grains and colorful vegetables, and drinking enough water.
Other important steps include:
- Managing stress.
- Quitting smoking (or never starting).
- Getting enough sleep.
Keep your mind active by learning new things. You can:
- Read books, newspapers, and online articles.
- Do word or math puzzles or play board and card games.
- Play computer games that require using your memory.
- Do a routine activity differently, such as using the opposite hand to brush your teeth.
Basic organizational skills also help, such as:
- Always put your keys or wallet in the same place.
- Keep a calendar or appointment book to manage your daily schedule.
- Set alarms to remind yourself when to take medication, or time it to your favorite TV show.
Additional References
Disclaimer
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.