Therapists Explain How Older Adults Can Manage Their Mental Health

Learn about senior mental health and how to manage it.

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Individuals of all ages experience adverse mental health. They might feel emotional distress, live with a mental health disorder, or experience trauma after an event. Despite the universality of these experiences, some demographics are often dismissed or struggle to access mental health services.

Senior mental health is one of those areas. An older person can experience adverse mental health as they navigate this life stage. With that in mind, we’ve dived into what can harm a senior’s mental health and coping techniques that can make a difference in their well-being.

What can impact senior mental health?

“While aging itself does not cause mental illness, certain experiences can increase emotional vulnerability,” says Charlie Health Contemplative Practitioner Tairesha “Sunflower” Flemister, LMSW. “Aging often brings major life transitions, retirement, health changes, and loss of loved ones, and these shifts can significantly affect emotional well-being.” Read on for more details on factors that commonly impact senior mental health.

1. Significant life transitions

Seniors face a tremendous number of life transitions, such as retiring, moving homes, losing loved ones, and physical changes, says Charlie Health Group Facilitator Nicole Lonano, MS. These can trigger adverse mental health symptoms like emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

2. Less independence

As people age, they might need help doing different activities or even move into senior living homes. This shift can create a deep sense of lost independence, negatively impacting a person’s mental health, says Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Courtney Way, MA, LCAT.

3. Loss of perceived value

Similarly, individuals might struggle with their internal and perceived value as they leave long-term roles and enter retirement, says Flemister.

Way seconds this: “Society also does not often place value on older adulthood, sending messages of ableism and ageism, which can lead to increased feelings of isolation, loneliness, and the sentiment of feeling like a burden to others.”

4. Social isolation

Older adults may find that their social circle has significantly shrunk as they lose workplace interactions, people move away, and they experience the loss of close friends, says Lonano. As a result, they may experience loneliness and other adverse mental health effects.

“Humans are wired for connection, and when daily interaction decreases, emotional health can suffer,” adds Flemister.

5. Reduced funds

Many retired individuals will be living on a fixed income from things like pensions. These reduced funds can provide stress about managing all expenses — including medical ones — in a world where the cost of living keeps rising, says Way.

6. Health challenges

Unfortunately, an older person can experience an increasing number of health conditions. They might live with a chronic condition, cognitive decline, memory concerns, and mobility challenges, says Flemister. Each of these conditions and their repercussions can contribute to greater mental health struggles.

7. Grief

Devastatingly, seniors are more likely to experience more instances of death, particularly of those close to them. Facing the death of partners, family members, and friends can bring a tremendous sense of grief and loneliness, says Flemister. These experiences might also make them further consider their own mortality, further hurting their mental health.

Barriers to mental healthcare for older adults

There’s nothing new about long wait times and trouble getting appointments covered by insurance. But an older adult might experience additional challenges that exacerbate these barriers and others.

1. Stigma

People of all ages still face stigma around experiencing adverse mental health and, especially, seeking treatment for it. Seniors are one of the demographics where this might be more widespread on an individual and societal level. “Many older adults grew up in generations where mental health wasn’t openly discussed, which can make asking for support feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable,” says Flemister.

They might feel like getting help is a sign of weakness or fear of being labeled, adds Lonano.

2. Financial constraints

As Lonano explains, “High out-of-pocket costs and limited coverage by Medicare for mental health services make treatment unaffordable. Additionally, many providers do not accept Medicare, causing long waits for care.” Living on a fixed income can further exacerbate this difficulty, making it hard for them to find accessible options.

3. Lack of transportation

Some older adults may no longer drive or have moved further away from areas with public transportation. Paying for cabs can add another financial barrier. At the same time, individuals with a loved one nearby might not want to share their decision to get care or ask for help.

4. Limited digital literacy

Virtual services, such as those offered here at Charlie Health, are a wonderful and convenient option for many people. However, telehealth requires a level of digital literacy some seniors might not have, says Way. Similarly, they might struggle to use the internet to find potential therapists.

5. Ageism

In some cases, a person might take all the steps toward telling a medical professional and still face barriers. “Medical systems also may dismiss symptoms as being a ‘normal part of aging’ or may be overshadowed or undervalued in comparison to physical health issues,” says Way. These barriers might occur when seeing their primary doctor or even a mental health professional who is inexperienced with supporting older adults.

How seniors can take care of their mental health

Yes, there are certain barriers older adults face to improving their mental health. But, as Flemister says, “Mental health challenges are not a normal or inevitable part of aging. Older adults deserve the same attention to emotional well-being as any other stage of life.” Here are some of the ways seniors can improve their mental health.

1. Embrace connections

Flemister recommends that seniors prioritize connecting with others to reduce social isolation and loneliness. These bonds might occur with loved ones, community groups, or in faith-based organizations. “Even small forms of connection — like a weekly phone call, community activity, or shared meal — can significantly improve a senior’s sense of belonging and emotional health,” she adds.

2. Do regular activities

Taking a walk, doing a puzzle, and going to the movies are all simple yet effective ways a person can add some activity to their life, says Way.

Older adults should think about what gives them joy and brings meaning to their lives. They might want to do something creative, volunteer, take up new hobbies, or even enter mentorship roles, says Flemister.

3. Create a routine

Similarly, Way notes, “When people build a structure and fill it with meaningful activities, it can help create a routine that fosters a sense of calm and belonging.”

They can create a structure in their life around things like eating, sleep, movement, and doing things that fulfill them, says Flemister.

4. Get mental health support

Finding the right therapist can make a huge difference in an individual’s quality of life. They can provide care and treatment — whether it be medication or talk therapy — for any mental health concern. “Seeking support is not a sign of weakness at any age,” says Flemister. “Therapy, counseling, and community support can help older adults navigate life transitions and maintain a strong sense of purpose.”

How Charlie Health can help

If you’re an older adult struggling with your anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health provider delivering high-acuity treatment for kids, teens, and adults facing serious mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Our innovative treatment model combines clinical expertise, group connection, and measurement-based care to support long-term healing. With the right support, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below to start healing today.