The mental health of older adults is crucial as they experience numerous psychological challenges that others may fail to understand.
Research suggests, by Holland et al., (2017), that between 2015-2050, the population of older adults around the world will double and hence the need to ensure appropriate mental health programs for these individuals.
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Symptoms of Dementia and Delirium
Mental health issues that older adults may face include dementia and delirium, which can be defined as collective social cognitive decline symptoms and confused thinking, respectively (McFadden, 2012). Symptoms for dementia include memory loss and anxiety, while those of delirium include disorientation and difficulty in reading and writing.
Prevalence of psychological disorders
The incidence and prevalence of psychological diseases are high based on the fact that issues such as Parkinson's disease affect ten million individuals globally. Additionally, a significant number of Americans are diagnosed with the disease annually and hence, a need to ensure effective treatment for older adults.
Sexuality and companionship
Psychological disorders among older adults may cause depression, which may cause a lack of sexual desire ( Mohlman et al., 2017). Women mostly experience sexual dysfunction based on these factors and thus consider engaging in sexual activity in fear. This, in turn, declines the development of intimate bonds and in turn companionship for the population.
Sleep deprivation
Other scholars suggest that half of the older population suffer from sleep disorders, aging, and illnesses which cause sleep deprivation ( Kring & Johnson, 2018) . Older adults, therefore, sleep for shorter periods as they experience symptoms such as the restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Additionally, people older than 65 may experience sleep deprivation due to medication or illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, which cause a lack of sleep.
Myths associated with late-life Treatment
Several myths with regards to aging include the perception that older adults' needs are different from the other populations'. Scholars, however, affirm that their needs are similar to others and should, therefore, receive equal treatment despite the emphasis on regular treatment as it may be disregarded. Additionally, a common myth and misconception regard memory loss in old age as many attributes it to dementia although it may occur due to medication, and they should, therefore, be evaluated for the same.
References
Holland, C., Boukouvalas, A., Wallis, S., Clarkesmith, D., Cooke, R., Liddell, L., & Kay, A. (2017). The transition from community-dwelling to a retirement village in older adults: cognitive functioning and psychological health outcomes. Ageing & Society , 37 (7), 1499-1526.
Kring, A. M., & Johnson, S. L. (2018). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders . Wiley.
McFadden, C [Alzheimer’s Weekly]. (2012). Experience 12 minutes in Alzheimer's dementia [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL_Gq7Shc-Y
Mohlman, J., Eldreth, D. A., Price, R. B., Staples, A. M., & Hanson, C. (2017). Prefrontal-limbic connectivity during worry in older adults with a generalized anxiety disorder. Aging & mental health , 21 (4), 426-438.
