Mental health of the elderly

Caring for the mental health of the elderly

As the life of a senior citizen evolves, so does his or her emotional needs. Amid the pandemic, it has become even more important to care for the mental health of the elderly. Psychiatrist Dr Payal Sharma Kamath lists the reasons why, and how you can help. Dr Payal shares, ” It’s no secret that senior citizens are more vulnerable. They are aware that even a minor fall could be a serious threat to their independence. And knowing that they are vulnerable leads many older adults to feel more anxious about their safety. The pandemic has only aggravated this anxiety as many have little or no contact with the outside world. Hence, addressing the emotional needs of the elderly has become even more of a priority.

Caring for the mental health of the elderly

A senior citizen may feel some anxiety over living alone. Having little or no contact can also increase their stress levels and lead to depression in some cases. Hence, it’s important to support the elderly by taking extra measures to make them feel safe and cared for. Here’s how you can help.

Engage with the elderly

Encourage senior citizens to pursue a hobby they enjoy. Knitting, reading, gardening, drawing, painting, etc, and engaging with others over the phone can help them feel connected with the outside world.

Help them get familiar with technology

There is a stereotype that older adults are averse to technology, and that is not necessarily true. All they need is a little encouragement and patience as they get familiar with using devices like cellphones, computers, tablets and laptops. The best way to approach older adults about the benefits of technology is to actually show them what they are.

Walk them through the steps in viewing photos of their grandchildren on their smartphones or tablets. Demonstrate how easy it is to talk to a friend or relative they haven’t seen in years through Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. Or help them send a text or an email and see their face light up when a reply comes in seconds or minutes.
As with any new activity, it may take several attempts before they get it. Taking it slow and writing the necessary steps down or getting someone to pen them down in a notebook will also help. With persistence and patience, before they know it, your aging parent or relative will be more connected to the outside world.

Stay connected with them on a regular basis

Make sure to stay connected with senior citizens via phone or video calls. Someone needs to physically check on them if they are living alone. The best case scenario is to actually have someone care for them who also lives with them. If this is not possible, interact with neighbours who can check on them regularly. Having regular contact with senior citizens can reduce stress levels and anxiety and feeling of isolation.

Use nostalgia to help them cope with all the uncertainty

It’s not easy seeing many of their friends fall sick or pass away. Hence, it’s important to give the elderly a sense of security. Revisiting happy memories, getting them to look at old photographs and talking about it, can uplift their spirits.

Telehealth can be an option for senior citizens

Most senior citizens have regular follow-up appointments and going to a clinic may not be a safe idea during a pandemic. Virtual consultation or attending digital appointments over a call or a video call is increasingly being used to help elderly people making healthcare easier and more accessible.

Why the mental well-being of the elderly should be your prime focus

Older people may experience life stressors common to all people, but also stressors that are more common in later life, like a significant ongoing loss in capacities and a decline in mobility, chronic pain, or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care. In addition, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, or a drop in socioeconomic status with retirement, which can result in isolation, loneliness or psychological distress.  Mental health has an impact on physical health and vice versa. For example, older adults with physical health conditions such as heart disease have higher rates of depression than those who are healthy. Additionally, untreated depression in an older person with heart disease can negatively affect its outcome. Hence, it’s important to pay more attention to the mental health of the elderly.