Aging can be a difficult process, especially for those who are far away from family, or who have already lost their spouse and closest friends. Behavioral health conditions are common for older adults – a Surgeon General report states that nearly 20 percent of adults over 55 are experiencing a mental illness. Unfortunately, the older a person is, the more likely their symptoms will remain trivialized and undiagnosed. Family or caretakers are often quick to consider unusual behavior patterns to be a natural part of the aging process. 

Depression
As a person reaches the twilight years of his life, he is likely to encounter an increasing amount of daily challenges. His spouse might die, along with his closest friends. He may have to give up high-energy activities that he enjoyed in the past. Financial or medical problems may begin to weigh down on his mood. Although temporary and natural periods of grief, worry, frustration, or loneliness are not a sign of mental illness, many older adults will find themselves dealing with untreated clinical depression that persists for several years. 

Alzheimer’s Disease
Forgetfulness is a natural sign of aging, but if occasional memory loss starts to become a daily occurrence, along with confusion, aggression, or hallucinations, Alzheimer’s disease might be the culprit. There is currently no cure to Alzheimer’s, and patients with this condition will need increasing levels of special care as the disease progresses.

Anxiety Disorders
The Surgeon General reports that 11.4 percent of adults over 55 have some kind of anxiety disorder, ranging from phobias to OCD. The most common anxiety disorder for older adults is agoraphobia, which often results in patients who are uncomfortable in places other than their home or the homes of their loved ones.

If you suspect that an aging family member may have a behavioral health condition, call UHMC at 954-724-6502 for a free assessment with no future obligation. We can provide resources and referrals for professionals who can help. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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