Australian Association of Psychologists Inc: Poor Mental Health Doesn’t Have to be Part of the Ageing Process
- Australian Health & Aged Care
- May 1
- 5 min read
Mental health in aged care is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of supporting Australia’s older population. The ageing process brings about significant life changes, including retirement, physical health declines, loss of loved ones, and a reduction in
independence. These changes can contribute to emotional distress, social isolation, and a heightened risk of mental health conditions.
Research highlights how common these mental health challenges are in late life, with mental distress and mental health conditions frequently affecting older adults.¹ Yet, many mental health issues in older people go undetected, underestimated, or are mistakenly considered a natural part of ageing. Addressing these needs and ensuring that older adults have access to appropriate mental health support, including psychological care, is crucial for their overall well-being and quality of life.
Mental health conditions are common among older adults. The 2020–2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing identified that 7.9 percent of men and 11.1 percent of women aged 65 and older had experienced a mental health condition within the past year, excluding dementias.² This prevalence is significant and highlights the necessity for mental health screening and support in aged care. Depression and anxiety are among the most common conditions, but they often go undiagnosed because their symptoms can overlap with physical ailments or be misattributed to the ageing process.
Older adults with mental health conditions are at an increased risk of disability and experience a reduced quality of life. Porensky EK found that older adults with depression, for example, are more likely to report poorer health-related quality of life,
which can hinder their ability to manage daily activities and participate in social engagements.³
Mental health conditions in older adults can exacerbate other medical issues, leading to increased healthcare use and costs. These conditions are not merely symptoms of ageing but are treatable, and timely intervention can greatly enhance an older person’s ability to live with dignity and comfort. Mental health conditions among older people are
frequently missed, minimised, or overlooked. The reasons for this are multifaceted and often rooted in discriminatory societal attitudes toward ageing, a lack of awareness, and limitations in healthcare systems.
Many people may assume that feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loss of interest in life are normal reactions to getting older. However, this view underestimates the impact of these experiences and disregards the possibility of meaningful psychological intervention.
In residential aged care settings, the detection of mental health conditions is even more
challenging. Care staff may not have adequate training to recognise mental health issues or may prioritise physical health concerns over mental well-being. Care staff are often
overworked and struggle to do the best they can with limited resources.
Compounding this, older adults themselves may feel uncomfortable discussing their emotional struggles or may be reluctant to seek help due to stigma or a belief that mental health support is not for ‘someone their age.’ The result is that older adults with treatable conditions like depression or anxiety often go without support, experiencing a diminished quality of life when psychological interventions could greatly improve their well-being.
Ageing is a period of life marked by profound transitions. Older adults frequently face retirement, the loss of friends or partners, and an increased dependency on others for daily needs.
The accumulation of these changes can lead to mental distress, particularly if they are not adequately supported. In fact, research consistently indicates that ageing adults report heightened levels of loneliness and isolation, which are risk factors for mental health conditions.
A particular point of concern is the suicide rate among older adults, especially men aged 85 and older, who have the highest age-specific suicide rate of any group in Australia.⁴ This statistic underscores the extreme mental distress some elderly individuals experience, and it signals an urgent need for accessible mental health support within this population. Psychologists play a critical role in understanding the complex interplay of loss, physical decline, and psychological resilience that can either protect against or exacerbate mental health conditions in later life.
Psychologists provide essential support to older adults by addressing the psychological,
emotional, and social challenges they face. Through therapeutic interventions, psychologists help older adults develop coping strategies, process grief and adjust to new realities brought on by ageing.
Skilled in conducting assessments, psychologists can differentiate between cognitive decline due to ageing and symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression or
anxiety. This is particularly important because cognitive and mental health issues often present with similar symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis if not properly evaluated.
Psychologists offer various therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioural
therapy (CBT), which has been found effective in managing depression and anxiety among older adults. They also provide supportive counselling to help older adults navigate life changes, loss, and the psychological impacts of chronic illness. By addressing these issues, psychologists can significantly improve older adults’ ability to adapt to life changes and maintain a positive outlook.
Many older adults experience chronic health conditions that impact their physical abilities
and independence. Psychologists can work with these individuals to develop coping strategies that help them manage the psychological burden of physical limitations. This might include mindfulness-based interventions, stress reduction techniques, and problem-solving strategies tailored to the individual's physical and cognitive abilities.
Psychologists also play an important role in supporting the family members and caregivers of elderly individuals. Caregivers often experience high levels of stress and burnout, which can negatively impact their own mental health and the quality of care they provide. Psychologists can help caregivers develop strategies to manage their stress and improve communication with their elderly family members, fostering healthier relationships and more effective care.
Social isolation is a significant contributor to mental health issues in older adults. Psychologists help address this issue by encouraging social engagement and connecting
elderly individuals with community resources. Group therapy and community programs are often effective in combating isolation and providing elderly individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose.
While the role of psychologists is crucial, systemic changes are also required to better support mental health in aged care.
Healthcare policies should prioritise mental health screening for older adults and allocate
resources to ensure that aged care facilities haveaccess to psychological services.
Additionally, ongoing training for aged care staff in recognising and addressing mental health needs can help bridge the gap between physical and mental health care. This shift toward a more holistic approach to aged care would ensure that mental health is recognised as a fundamental component of health, especially in later life.
Reducing the stigma associated with mental health in older adults is essential. Community education programs can help older adults and their families understand that mental health support is not only for younger people, but is equally valuable at all stages of life. By normalising discussions about mental health and encouraging proactive mental health care, we can create a culture where seeking support is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.
The importance of mental health in aged care cannot be overstated. Older adults face unique psychological challenges due to life transitions, loss, and physical decline. This oversight can lead to substantial distress, a decreased quality of life, and in severe cases, a heightened risk for suicidal behaviours. Ageing is a process that we will all hopefully get to experience, let's ensure that we age well.
Written by Carly Dober, a Director at the AAPi
0488 770 044
References
Dijk H, Mierau J (2023) ’Mental health over the life course: Evidence for a U-shape?’, Health Economics, 32(1):155–74.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020-2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/nationalstudy- mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release.
Porensky EK, Dew MA, Karp JF, Skidmore E, Rollman BL, Shear MK, Lenze EJ (2009) ‘The burden of late-life generalized anxiety disorder: effects on disability, healthrelated quality of life, and healthcare utilization’, American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 17(6):473–482.F
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2024). Suicide and Self-Harm Monitoring, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 6 November 2024.
