When thinking of age-related health issues, physical infirmity probably springs to most people's minds; however, seniors are also prone to mental health disorders. Another exciting transition is retirement, which many people anticipate with enthusiasm but might trigger or exacerbate mental health issues.

Although there are insufficient studies into seniors' mental health, those that do exist expose cause for concern. For example, almost one-fourth of seniors in the United States are believed to be socially isolated and approximately two-thirds don't get the mental health treatment they need. Assisted living facilities provide safe, secure and sociable homes with staff trained to care for residents with mental health issues. This guide provides an overview of the mental health conditions that seniors typically face and how assisted living can help.

Common Mental Health Conditions That Impact Seniors

Some mental health conditions are common among seniors. Given their general prevalence, however, there are often a variety of ways to treat them.

Anxiety Disorders

An anxiety disorder may make a senior become so anxious that dealing with everyday life becomes a challenge. Common symptoms you may notice include uncontrollable fear, obsessive thinking, insomnia, increased heartbeat and headaches. It is estimated that anywhere from 3% to 14% of America’s older adults have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. This could be due to one or more risk factors most relevant to the senior population, such as bereavement, reduced mobility and financial insecurity. Fortunately, anxiety can be effectively treated by medications and psychotherapy.

Bipolar Disorder

Most people with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings that include manic highs and depressive lows. The precise cause for these swings isn’t known, but genetics, a chemical imbalance in the brain, childhood trauma and stressful life events are believed to be factors. Around 25% of people with bipolar disorder are aged 60+, and this figure is projected to exceed 50% by 2030. Seniors should visit their doctor if they think they’re experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Depression

Depression is a medical condition that can cause someone to continuously experience feelings such as sadness, hopelessness and apathy for lengthy periods — typically weeks or longer. Significant events, such as losing a loved one, can lead to depression in the elderly. Depression affects 1% to 5% of seniors, rising to 11.5% of those hospitalized and 13.5% in those receiving home care. It can be treated with psychotherapy and/or antidepressant drugs.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders typically appear in early adulthood (age 18 for bulimia and anorexia and 21 for binge eating disorder) and may continue into the retirement years. As we age and our metabolism slows down and hormone levels decrease, it can become a challenge to lose weight, and seniors who aren't used tocarrying a few extra pounds may develop unhealthy habits with food. Healthrisks associated with eating disorders include heart disease, hypertension anddiabetes. Seniors should speak to a doctor if they’re concerned about theirrelationship to food, as common treatments include psychotherapy, nutritionalcounseling and medications.

Medication Misuse

Many people take prescription drugs to treat physical ailments, pain, mentaldisorders and chronic conditions, and some medications may contain addictiveand potentially dangerous controlled substances. Patients may, for example,take more than the recommended dose or use drugs prescribed for someoneelse. Misusing drugs may reduce their effectiveness, increase interactions withother drugs and cause serious side effects, including death.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is caused by a traumatic event, such as a near-death experience or anattack. It’s believed current data under-represents the problem, but somestudies reveal 1.5% to 4% of adults aged 60+ have PTSD, with 7% to 15%exhibiting subclinical level symptoms, which is not enough for a confident diagnosis. Symptoms include experiencing intrusive thoughts and nightmares,sleeping poorly and having angry outbursts. Cognitive and exposure therapiesare effective treatments, as is joining a support group. Seniors should contacttheir doctor if they show signs of PTSD.

Risks Factors for Mental Health Conditions in Seniors

The World Health Organization (WHO) states 15% of adults aged 60 and older have a mental disorder. Many factors can trigger these disorders:

• Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia affecting more than 6 millionAmericans as of 2022. Changes in the brain resulting from age, as well asenvironmental, lifestyle and genetic factors, are believed to play a part.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than expected as part ofthe healing process (usually pain lasting over 3 months). Persistent paincan cause mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
• Chronic Stress: Chronic stress is persistently feeling overwhelmed orpressured. Factors such as worrying about developing dementia, personalfinances and losing independence are known contributors.
• Elder Abuse: Around 1 in 10 adults aged 60 and older have suffered elderabuse in their community. Based on self-reports from residents, the mostcommon type in residential care is psychological abuse (33.4%) and theleast common is sexual abuse (1.9%).
• Physical Health: Deteriorating physical health is known to affect seniors’psychological health. Arthritis is a common condition that may impactmental health, with 49.6% of adults aged 65+ reporting a diagnosis.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Disordersin Seniors

Loved ones and caregivers are often the first people to notice that a senior maybe struggling with a psychological condition. Signs to look out for include:

• Loss of temper and argumentative behavior
• Appears unusually angry, scared or upset
• Feelings of desperation or helplessness
• Loss of sleep or sleep pattern changes
• Loss of appetite
• Experiences pains that can’t be explained
• A lack of emotion
• Extended depression
• Substance misuse
• Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or hurting others

Housing Options for Seniors Living WithMental Health Conditions

Seniors living with mental health conditions don’t need to suffer alone. There areseveral types of care available, and the best option depends on the individual.Here are three of the most common housing options for seniors in need ofmental health treatment.

Assisted Living for People With Mental HealthConditions

Assisted living is nonmedical care delivered in a homelike community. Residentslive in private or shared rooms, typically with kitchenettes and bathrooms.Trained caregivers assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), which may includebathing, dressing, toileting and eating. Structured social and wellness programshelp residents stay mentally and physically active and encourage them todevelop friendships with other residents. Most people live reasonably close to anassisted living facility.

Nursing Homes for People With Mental HealthConditions

Nursing homes deliver 24/7 medical care to seniors requiring short-term help torecover from illness or surgery and those with enduring conditions needinglong-term support. The environment is more homelike than a hospital. Residentslive in private or shared rooms with fresh meals served daily. An estimated 65%to 91% of nursing home residents have a significant mental healthdisorder. Residents may be able to receive therapy and medication managementto treat mental health conditions in nursing homes.

In-Home Care for People With Mental HealthConditions

In-home care can be nonmedical or medical. Nonmedical care can range fromsimple companionship to helping with activities of daily living (ADLs), such asbathing. Medical care is typically delivered by registered nurses and therapists,including injections and physical therapies. Caregivers aren’t typically on-site24/7 but can become available for an additional cost. In-home care can providesupportive companionship for seniors with mental health conditions.

The Benefits of Senior Living for Seniors With Mental Health Disorders

Studies have shown that quality housing can support recovery from and management of mental health conditions. Assisted living facilities must maintain high standards or they risk losing their licenses. With appropriate support,seniors can benefit from care at an assisted living community in the following ways:

• Feeling accepted: Assisted living creates opportunities to socialize withother residents who also have various mental health conditions.
• Getting a new lease on life: Assisted living offers opportunities to build newfriendships and learn new skills.
• Feeling safe: A problem such as a fall isn’t as frightening because anassisted living caregiver is always near and ready to help.
• On-site mental health support: Assisted living facilities may have staff trained to recognize warning signs and deal with them.

When Should Someone With a Mental Health Condition Consider Senior Living?

Determining when to consider senior living can be difficult for loved ones,particularly if the senior is resistant. Families should look for warning signs theirloved one can no longer handle their condition without regular support. Thefollowing covers some things you should watch for:

• Deteriorating personal care standards, such as not bathing
• Weight loss
• Expressing thoughts of self-harm, suicide or violence
• Refusal to take prescribed medications
• Social isolation, which can be triggered by losing a spouse

Who May Not Be a Good Fit for Senior Living?

Seniors with mental health conditions that a facility can’t manage aren’t a goodfit for senior living. Some facilities may not have proper staffing, while othersmay not have safe housing options, depending on the senior’s behavior. If thesenior is already in senior living but has refused care, it may be a sign the facilitycan no longer meet their individual needs.

State Resources for Mental Health Assistance