Mental Health & Aging

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As people age, they may experience certain life changes that impact their mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Although many people will adjust to these life changes, some may experience feelings of grief, social isolation, or loneliness. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Effective treatment options are available to help older adults and people at every stage of life to manage their mental health and improve their quality of life.

Below are additional resources to help you and those you love take manage their mental health.

Depression in Older Adults

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing depression. Depression is not just having “the blues” or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.

Mental Health Education & Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers

Sometimes we need a little extra guidance in caring for our ourselves and our loved ones. From articles and podcasts to expert tips, this site can help you figure it all out.

Manage Your Mental Health

According to the CDC, 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. Get information and resources on how to manage your mental health as you age. Contact your doctor or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline if you need immediate help: dial 911.

Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives (PEARLS)

Agency on Aging Area 4’s PEARLS program is an evidence-based In-home based counseling program that can help aging adults manage and treat depression and improve quality of life in older adults.

Promoting Emotional Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a brochure for older adults with mental and substance use disorders that can be useful to older adults, and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Among Older Adults

Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

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