Mental health continues to be a growing concern for the overall population but what isn’t readily discussed the mental health of adults 65 years and older. Loneliness is an emerging issue for this population and it has a clear impact on their overall health. According to a 2017 report from IBM, if measures aren’t taken to counter these effects, seniors face continued detachment from the mainstream even as the population grows. The report includes research from multiple studies indicating there is a link between loneliness in seniors and declining health, including a 29 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease, 32 percent increased risk of stroke, 64 percent increase in developing dementia, and 26 percent increase in likelihood of death.
Another interesting conclusion from the IBM report is that “loneliness in older adults is almost always triggered by some form of loss, whether at a personal and/or societal level.” The report goes on to say that “physical losses, including mobility problems, as well as visual and hearing impairments, can lead to a striking increase in social isolation and diminished social interactions. And over time, many older adults experience the social loss of family and friends to old age or physical distance while seeing their own roles in society reduced or ignored.” As seniors become more disconnected from their family, these feelings can increase and pose problems to their health that shouldn’t be ignored.
In fact, Nevada has one of the fastest growing aging populations in the nation and the number of seniors in Nevada is expected to grow over the next several years to account for nearly one-third of the state’s population by 2030 , according to state demographer Jeff Hardcastle. This means that more resources will need to be dedicated to caring for seniors and their mental health needs and concerns in the future.
HealthCare Partners Nevada currently cares for approximately 100,000 seniors in Southern Nevada and that number continues to grow. Our doctors have a list of questions they ask if they identify a senior who may have feelings of loneliness or isolation. Some of the signs they look for include: depressed mood, difficulty sleeping, decreased interest in activities that normally give them pleasure, feelings of guilt, decreased energy, slowness in movement, decreased concentration, changes in appetite, or any suicidal ideation.
Senior isolation and loneliness are becoming growing concerns and preventative measures must be taken to mitigate risk of detrimental effects on their health. At HealthCare Partners, we look for senior patients who may have decline in physical condition, weight loss, and some may even stop taking their medications. Patients will usually have symptoms of anxiety, anger, frustration and mood changes associated with specific behaviors of fatigue.
HealthCare Partners recently announced 23 myGeneration clinics across the valley for adults 65 years and older. The staffs have been specifically trained to understand and care for the unique health needs of people 65 and older on Medicare. HealthCare Partners created these clinics to bring innovative, senior-focused primary care to seniors in Southern Nevada and to help meet the needs and priorities of health care for seniors. With isolation and loneliness amongst seniors as a top concern, HealthCare Partners believes these clinics will give seniors more personal and individualized care.
Mental health awareness is crucial, and seniors should be aware of what options they have available to them. I suggest seniors speak with their primary care provider who may recommend them to make an appointment with a behavioral health specialist. There are also support groups, counseling and therapy sessions available for seniors.
To schedule an appointment with HealthCare Partners, visit mygenerationclinics.com or call 702-766-8895.