How to Keep Your Skin Healthy in Older Age

As we get older, we definitely will go through many life transitions—retirement, physical health challenges, the death of friends/family, and cognitive decline. Each one of these transitions, whether emotional, psychological, or social, will profoundly affect the mental health of older adults. In many cases, these changes may feel completely overwhelming, and they struggle to manage. The good news is that psychotherapy for older adults can be an effective way to manage these transitions. But how do you know when the time is right to seek therapy, and what can psychotherapy give the elderly? What You Need to Understand About Psychotherapy for Seniors Psychotherapy, also called mental health therapy for older adults, is when an older adult has sessions with a trained therapist, a specialized unit, or clinician to address the emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges the older adult may experience. Psychotherapy gives essential support to older adults as they transition through a major life transition, such as grief, abandonment, depression, anxiety, and/or the limitation of old age. Just like we frequently check on our physical health, we should equally assess our mental health in the later years of our life. When to See a Psychotherapists for Seniors Determining when to see a psychotherapist for seniors can be a complex matter. Many older adults may not wear their emotions on their sleeves, which makes it difficult for skilled services caregivers / loved ones to know what the elder adult might be feeling and knowing when therapy is needed. Sadness, anxiety or depression may still be present but unexpressed. In addition, some elderly individuals may not even know that they are additional suffering from what they believe is simply "normal aging." Regardless, therapy in old age can improve ones overall mental health and fully boost the ability to adversely function. If you think psychotherapy may help your loved one, yet are unsure, think about whether the below key indicators could suggest help is needed:  Persistent Sadness/Depression: Although it is not out of the realm to be a little sad, since everyone could probably consider times of feeling sad, if feelings of sadness persist and have - at times - possible included feelings of hopelessness, then it is possible there are depressive factors at play. Anyone can experience depressive symptoms at any age, and it is not uncommon to do so among older adults, specifically in the context of major changes, such as loss of partner, or even chronic health concerns.  Difficulty Adjusting To Life Changes: Major life changes such retirement, moving into assisted living, and or medical changes have been noted to take an emotional toll on an elderly persons overall well-being. If an elderly person has difficulty adapting to these changes, therapy may possibly provide them with adaptive skills to improve their coping mechanisms.  Social Isolation: Almost every person will experience some level of social isolation and restrictions late in life. While some people may simply just have low levels of social engagement, the use of public health restrictions may be scapegoats for elderly social isolation. On the other hand, to add to greater issues for elderly persons, if they are actually feeling lonely and isolated, the present issues can cause additional stress and burden on unrelated mental health safety nets. Counseling services for elderly people could promote some re-engagement as previously established safety net, but may create a return to the present or previously established social network.  All-Up Anxiety and Fear: As we age we reach periods of fear, for example: fear of death, loss of independence, or significant illness. Similarly, anxiety disorders in elderly persons may present themselves for the first time, or grow worse at times of life transition. Psychotherapy can be a useful support for seniors as they navigate these feelings and achieve comfort in their lives. Sleep Concerns: Chronic sleep disturbances, especially those related to stress, anxiety, or worries about others, can negatively impact overall health. Psychotherapy for older adults can help identify the emotional factors related to sleep and begin to address the issues. Name cognitive decline: Memory problems, confusion or difficulty with attention in older adults, may be early signs of dementia or other cognitive issues. Therapy can facilitate processing the emotional aspects of cognitive decline, along with the development of coping strategies. The Many Values of Therapy for Older Adults There are many values associated with older adults experiencing mental health challenges to have therapy. Some of the benefits of therapy, include: Improved Emotional Health: Therapy can guide older adults in dealing with challenging feelings, difficult memories or loss. As a result, improved emotional regulation can lead to improved mental health over time. Increased Quality of Life: Working through mental health challenges can improve the overall quality of life for older adults. When emotional issues are addressed, it is common for seniors to have improved physical health, relationships and sense of purpose. More Productive Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies: Psychotherapy can help older adults develop more productive cognitive and behavioral strategies. For instance, seniors who have memory issues or dementia can learn coping strategies that allow them to be more independent with some level of confidence. For example, older adults with memory issues or dementia can learn coping strategies that make them feel more independent and confident. The older adults that have the ability to learn new coping strategies, would gain use of their self-determination.  Decreased Anxiety: Therapy offers older adults a safe place to unpack their concerns and anxieties. Simply discussing concerns and issues can help provide some comfort and relief of stress, which also could reduce anxiety and provide an overall physical improvement as well.  Improved Relationships: Therapy can improve more than just mental health, but can assist with the task of improving communication and resolving relationship conflict (whether with family members or caregivers).  How to Start Therapy for Seniors?  To some older adults, the thought of going to therapy may seem overwhelming. They may believe that therapy is only for those who have serious mental health problems or that it is too late in their lives to make any improvements through therapy. The unique aspect of therapy is that it is never too late for anyone to start therapy. It can be an excellent tool to improve the mental health of older adults.  After careful consideration of therapy for an elderly loved one, the first steps are outlined below to assist in the process:  Discuss with a Medical Professional: If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional wellness concerns, it may be beneficial to start the conversation with a primary care doctor, to evaluate if therapy can help. They will be able to evaluate the situation, and if considered appropriate, have providers to refer.  Research a Geriatric Therapist: If you determine to pursue therapy for that older adult, then important consideration is to ensure you are finding a therapist who specializes in geriatrics. Geriatric therapy may allow the older adult to work with professionals who have experience working with an older adult population. You may be able to find some strategies that will address the unique challenges encountered by older adults. Gather Current or Supportive Treatment Options: There are various forms of therapy that may be appropriate for an older adult, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy, and even art therapy. Do work collaboratively with the therapist to determine which may be the most effective for treatment. Family Support: Family members can sometimes be the most important motivators to get seniors to receive treatment. With the involvement of family members, the process can be less scary, and they can be supportive.  Elderly Mental Health Assistance: A Critical Component of Aging Well  As important as the physical well-being of our elderly loved ones, is to equally consider their mental well-being. Seeking a therapy for the elderly can be an important step to maintaining independence, managing emotional wellness, and overall well-being. Professional therapy is a holistically intended approach to aging, allowing the elderly to process life changes, transitions, and stressors at/throughout all stages of aging.  At Angel Care Inc. homecare services unit, we understand the importance of mental health for the elderly. If you or your loved one are having emotional concerns, or are looking for mental health assistance, we can assist by offering therapy and compassionate care. We strive to provide elderly mental health support to aid the elderly in aging happily and healthily and with dignity.  If you are unsure about therapy for your elderly loved one, it is possible and could be beneficial to get to know a mental health professional, who can speak to you about the mental health outcomes of elderly adults using therapy in their later years.