How to Tend to Your Mental Health After 60

When you think about your golden years, you think about retirement, freedom to do what you want, family, and a lot more. One thing that’s probably not on your list, though, is how to deal with shifts in your mental health due to age.

At Interventional Psychiatry Group, Dr. Jim Pang, Jr., Dr. Shannon Pitts, and our expert staff understand the mental health challenges our patients 60 and older face, which is why we provide geriatric psychiatry services, to ensure that all their unique needs are met and they’re in the best health they can be. Here’s what’s involved.

Why does mental health change after age 60?

Mental health and physical health are intimately entangled. Many people’s physical health, as they get older, starts to decline. This can lead to needing to manage new health problems, having less independence, or adapting to a new living situation, all of which can take a mental toll.

Research shows that there are five key problems that can have an impact on the mental well-being of older people:

Declining physical health
Not participating in meaningful activities (especially after retirement)
Age discrimination (ageism)
Relationships (death of friends and family, being on their own)
Poverty

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these issues factor into one in four older adults experiencing mental health issues, most commonly depression (5%), anxiety (3.8%), and dementia (7%).

Social isolation and loneliness are particularly impactful for both mental and physical health, as well.

The long-term health consequences of loneliness and lack of substantial social connections include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults, according to the U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 report.

When you don’t have a connection with others, you may develop a negative view of the world, which can lead to depression. In fact, feelings of loneliness and a lack of perceived social support are associated with increased:

Mortality rates
Risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
Chronic pain
Poor health behaviors
Poor sleep quality

What’s alarming, too, is that older adults have the highest suicide rate when compared to other groups. People age 85 and older have the highest rate, followed closely by adults ages 75-84.

Unfortunately, mental health in older adults often slips under the radar, for a variety of reasons. Some people think symptoms of depression or anxiety, for example, are just a normal part of getting older, which they’re not. And access to mental health care and the stigma surrounding seeking that care also create barriers for older adults needing treatment.

Tending to your mental health after 60

Good mental health isn’t just for the younger set; everyone, of any age, can benefit from getting proper support and having a positive outlook. Here are some of the ways you can keep your mind sharp and healthy.

Changing your lifestyle

Getting older and retiring from your job both involve lifestyle changes for most people. Being retired, though, doesn’t mean you aren’t still busy. Friends and family can have plans for your time, filling it with everything from childcare to DIY tasks.

It’s important, though, to make time for your own interests. Try a new activity or learn new skills. Most community centers and community colleges have noncredit programs that can teach you everything from writing a novel to the best parks to visit. Go for it!

And keep up your social interactions. If you had friends at work, keep up the relationships after you retire. Other people your age can make great sounding boards for how to transition gracefully into retirement. Also look to make new friendships with people of all ages. These serve to keep you in touch with the world as it changes.

Volunteering

Look into volunteering. Many organizations depend on the skills and experience that older people bring with them, and you can play a valuable role, no matter where you volunteer.

Talking about problems and concerns

Managing problems becomes easier if you talk with someone about them. It helps you understand their scope and your ability to handle them, as well as potentially seeing them from a different perspective. It’s also a good way to connect with another person and take charge of your life.

Who you want to talk with depends on what’s worrying you. Some options include friends and family, an impartial person, a therapist or psychiatrist, or your primary doctor. Try to listen to what they say without judgment; after all, you’re asking for their help.

If you’re 60 or older, it’s time to address any mental health issues you’ve left untended over the years, and Interventional Psychiatry Group can help. Call our office serving the Cordova community of Memphis, Tennessee, at 901-752-4900 to set up an evaluation, or book online with us today.