Every Australian, regardless of their age, deserves good mental health. It keeps people satisfied, optimistic and gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. This means that as people grow older, they shouldn’t think that depression and anxiety ‘goes with the territory’.
While exact rates are unknown, research by the National Ageing Research Institute suggests
between 10 to 15 per cent of older people living in the community experience symptoms of depression.
Frail older people, those living with chronic conditions, and those needing a high level of home help are even more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
To help older Australians reduce their risk of developing depression and anxiety and achieve their best mental health, beyondblue has recently released two booklets designed specifically for older people and those caring for older people.
The first booklet, Connections Matter, provides advice for older Australians on how to connect with their community, to ward off loneliness and increase their protection against developing depression and anxiety.
With research showing up to six in 10 older people feel lonely, Connections Matter offers tips on how older people can improve their social connections, through joining local social groups and by using the internet and online programs such as Skype.
The second booklet, What works to promote emotional wellbeing in older people, identifies and rates the best activities for improving and protecting the mental health of older people. It has been designed specifically for aged care workers, but is also helpful for everyone who has an older person in their lives.
Based on La Trobe University research, the booklet rates activities on a scale of zero to three for how effective they are at improving older people’s mental health. Importantly, there are activities in the booklet to suit older people of all physical and cognitive capabilities, including those with memory problems or dementia. These range from physical activities like gardening and tai chi, to relaxation activities like meditation.
The top five most effective activities for improving the emotional wellbeing of older people in community care are exercise, tai chi and qigong, self-help through books (bibliotherapy), computer-based therapies or computer games, and reminiscing about the older person’s life and the challenges they have overcome.
beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said older people, their friends and family, and those caring for older people, should read these booklets to learn how to stay mentally healthy.
“By proactively looking after their mental health as they grow older, seniors can reduce their risk of developing depression or anxiety and improve their quality of life. People in caring roles can also play a vital part in improving the mental health of the older people with whom they work,” she said.
“The beyondblue website also has other information on mental health, including inspiring personal stories focusing on older people, available at: www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/older-people.
“We hope this information will inspire seniors to look after their mental health, which will help them live life to the full.”