Mental Health at 70 or Older: Issues and Solutions
New Jersey Therapist and Life Coach, in Voorhees NJ, Marlton NJ, and Cherry Hill NJ (856) 352-5428) Contact NJTLC
As people turn 70 and beyond, certain mental health struggles can crop up that did not exist before older age. There are so many changes going on. Loss of loved ones, health struggles, and cognitive functioning are a few. I have worked with many older clients, and they present with problems like depression and anxiety, which don’t look the same as depression and anxiety found in my younger clients. I have learned how important it is to assess older adults from a broader perspective. Knowing what they are struggling with helps me identify the best treatment for their specific problem.
Depression
Many adults over 70 experience depression, a serious condition, not just feeling sad. It can be caused by factors such as chronic pain, loss of loved ones, loneliness, boredom, or social isolation. Symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, or increased withdrawal from others. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), task-centered therapy emphasizing social engagement, regular exercise, and, in some cases, antidepressant medications administered by an aging specialist.
Anxiety
Older adults also experience anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety and agoraphobia. They may worry about health, money, and their loss of independence. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks can look like physical problems and can lead to unnecessary medical visits. Effective treatment for anxiety includes task-centered therapy focused on socialization, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and, when appropriate, medication prescribed by a doctor who treats the diseases of old age. Anxiety medication can cause confusion, lessen energy, and cause depression, so people need to be under the care of a physician.
Cognitive Disorders
Cognitive disorders such as cognitive impairment and dementia are mental health problems found most often in older people. The hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are memory loss, confusion, and personality changes or changes in judgment. Although these diseases cannot be cured, early intervention with cognitive stimulation therapy, memory-enhancing medications, and the development of routines can help slow progression and minimize distress for both clients and their caregivers.
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders come up after major transitions such as leaving a home and moving to an assisted living facility, losing a spouse or partner, or facing a grim medical diagnosis. A person’s emotional responses reflect difficulty coping with these changes. Therapy that teaches new coping skills, maintains daily structure, and builds new social connections must be implemented.
Another mental health problem in older adults is bereavement-related depression, or what is called complicated grief. When grief doesn’t resolve and affects a person’s daily functioning, using compassion-focused therapy and group grief counseling can help seniors process loss and rediscover a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their lives.
Sleep
Sleep disorders are also seen in older adults. Insomnia and disrupted circadian rhythms can worsen mood, cognition, and immune function. Aside from medications, treatments such as relaxation techniques and cognitive therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) are highly effective. These are preferable to sedatives, which can increase fall risk.
PTSD
Lastly, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can emerge, re-emerge, or worsen with age, particularly in veterans or those who’ve experienced past trauma. Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and narrative therapy can help people integrate these past experiences into their life story. This will reduce anxiety and emotional problems.
Mental health in adults over 70 requires compassion, patience, and an understanding of both the mind and body. Treatment is most effective when it combines psychological therapy, medical care, social connection, and the renewal of a sense of purpose. When emotional issues arise, older adults can still experience growth, happiness, and meaningful relationships.