Special Considerations for Supporting Older Adults

When helping an older adult (perhaps a parent, spouse, or friend), there are some unique factors to consider. Their mental health challenges can sometimes be intertwined with physical health, grief, and major life transitions.

Ruling Out Physical Causes First

For an older adult, what looks like depression or anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying physical issue. Always encourage a thorough check-up with their primary care doctor to rule out:

Medication side effects or interactions: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is common in older adults and can have significant cognitive and mood effects.

Hearing or vision loss: Difficulty hearing conversations can lead to social withdrawal, which can look like depression.

Undiagnosed pain: Chronic pain is a major contributor to depression and irritability.

Nutritional deficiencies or dehydration.

Acknowledging Grief and Life Transitions

The later stages of life are often filled with significant loss—the death of a spouse or friends, loss of independence, or retirement from a lifelong career. These are profound grief experiences. It’s important to validate this grief and not rush them through it. Their sadness may be a very normal and necessary response to loss, though it can certainly evolve into clinical depression that requires treatment.

Combating Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness is a significant risk factor for mental and physical health problems in older adults. Finding ways to foster connection is key. This could be arranging regular visits, helping them connect with a local senior center, finding volunteer opportunities, or exploring groups related to their hobbies.

Navigating Technology for Telehealth

Telehealth has made mental healthcare more accessible, but it can be a barrier for older adults who are not comfortable with technology. You can help by:

Setting up the device and app for them ahead of time.

Doing a “practice call” so they know what to expect.

Writing down simple, step-by-step instructions for logging in.

Ensuring they have a private, quiet space for their appointment.