How To Protect Mental Health in the Elderly

Mental illness is associated with a significant burden of morbidity and disability. Lifetime prevalence rates for any kind of psychological disorder are higher than previously thought, are increasing in recent cohorts and affect nearly half the population. Despite being common, mental illness is underdiagnosed by doctors.

Less than half of those who meet diagnostic criteria for psychological disorders are identified by doctors. These factors explains the importance of looking at elderly as suspects to mental problems. They are at high risk of being mental patients. We have laid down some points to look after them:

• Special care - Elderly with history of alcoholism, drug use, or have undergone some devastating life changes, then those things should be investigated by a mental health professional.  This is to make sure that those issues have been addressed and are in the past. If they have not been addressed, they can become an issue again later in life.
• Good nutrition and exercise. This will keep the body working for them and not against them. It's difficult to enjoy gardening if bending is causing a lot of pain. Keeping the body limber is very important. This will also help with conditions and illnesses that may affect the senior.
• Be fit and healthy. A body that's in good shape to start with has a much better chance of fighting off what is ailing it. It's hard to be happy when you're sick and in pain.
• Elderly start to loose. They may lose their mates and other family members. They may lose the house they raised their families in, along with other possessions. As we get older our world starts to shrink, and as we lose these things, we begin to feel that we have no control over our own lives.
• Keep active and to be involved with others. This also prevents loneliness.
• An elderly should be involved with their local nursing homes, where they can volunteer to help with activities or just visit.
• They can offer their services to a local school.
• The main thing is to keep moving, learning, thinking, and not to be isolated. It needs an effort from their side. In this case it will be worth it.