Protecting and Improving Mental Health as You Age

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May, and each year more individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for improved mental health resources and care. While people of all ages, from children to adults, stand to benefit from increased awareness of mental health, healthcare providers are seeing a growing need for support among adults aged 60 and over.

Currently, about 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental health condition, the most common being depression and anxiety. Ageism, social isolation/loneliness, abuse, dementia, substance abuse, and hearing loss are all risk factors that can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in older adults. 

Since one in six people in the world will be aged 60 or older by 2030, many healthcare experts believe now is the time to take steps to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. That begins with highlighting the importance of early intervention and educating older Americans on treatments, support groups, and crisis services, including those listed below.¹

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, contact your healthcare provider or visit the sites below to access support and resources:

• 988lifeline.org offers 24/7 confidential support for people in distress. Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night.
• FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders
• Nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help the National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services and answers questions about finding treatment and support 

If you are a client of Kennedy Financial and are in need the support of a mental health professional, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We have many connections that we can call upon to help you find the support and services that you need. You aren't alone. 

^{1) “Mental health of older adults.” Who.int, 20 OCT 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults.}