Older people's mental health

We all feel sad or worried sometimes. If these feelings persist and stop you from enjoying and taking part in your normal life, you may need some support.

Friends, whānau and carers may notice changes in others before they see the signs themselves. Find out more about how to support somone going through a tough time.

Sometimes people experience thoughts of dying or suicide. This is urgent and you should see your GP, contact 111 or your local mental health line immediately – you can visit the website info.health.nz/mental-health for your local service.

Signs to look out for include:

• Physical signs, e.g. pain, dizziness, sleeplessness and fatigue, stomach pain, changes in weight, loss of memory. Older people often experience physical signs of depression, so if you have these symptoms, check with a GP to see if there could be a mental health reason. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression and dementia can overlap so a thorough screening is important.
• Ongoing low mood, feeling worthless, being overwhelmed, loss of enjoyment in usual activities, withdrawing from whānau, isolation, loss of appetite and hoarding.

Find out more about depression and anxiety on our website.

“Sometimes people think their life can’t be different, that this is how it’s going to be from now on. But it’s not true. There are lots of things we can do to help you feel better and really enjoy your life.” – Emma, Health Improvement Practitioner

“Many people think depression isn’t treatable in older people, that it’s just a normal part of ageing, but there are lots of things we can do to help, things that work really, really well.” – Dr Claire, older person's psychiatrist.

Older people are more at risk for mental health problems when they experience:

• Physical health problems, including loss of mobility and independence, side effects from medications and/or chronic pain and disability.
• Loneliness, living apart from family, whānau and friends, missing loved ones, loss of connections from former jobs and hobbies, feeling a sense of being a burden.
• Grief and loss: losing spouse, parents, siblings, friends and children.
• Loss of identity: through retirement, families growing up and away, losing place in community.
• Living with dementia: changes in memory, thinking, ability to do basic activities. Sometimes dementia can cause changes in behaviour, bring hallucinations and contribute to feelings of sadness and anxiousness.
• Financial distress: loss of income, rising bills, extra expenses
• Abuse: one in 10 older New Zealanders will experience elder abuse. Find out more about elder abuse at Age Concern.
• Carer burnout (for example, from caring for a spouse or parent living with dementia). Sometimes, carers become so stressed they are unaware they aren’t coping. Learn more about carer burnout and what can help at Carers NZ.
• Hearing loss: untreated hearing loss can contribute to anxiety and depression in older people.
• Memory loss: feeling a loss of self, of identity, of people and connection.

You may feel embarrassed, whakamā or ashamed to be struggling, or worry you will be bothering others by reaching out. You deserve help and support. Share how you are feeling with a trusted friend, family member or health professional. You can also call a helpline such as Seniorline. Find out more about getting help at home, with community services and rest homes.

• Talk to your GP: GPs can assess and treat depression and help you get on the right track. You may like to book a longer appointment to make sure you have enough time together to talk. Find out more about people who can help and types of treatment.
• Visit a local health improvement practitioner (HIP): a free service available in many GP offices. HIPs can help you work through any challenges, including mental health problems. Find a HIP near you.
• Find opportunities to connect:
  • Volunteer your time as a visitor or phone friend for Age Concern.
  • Other volunteering opportunities e.g. Good Bitches Baking
  • Call old friends or whānau you haven’t connected with in a while.
  • Learn to use social media: your local Age Concern or SeniorNet may be running classes to help you.
  • Bring the whānau together to share kai, tell stories and look after each other.

“I’ve always loved baking. Volunteering helps to give me a purpose, to connect with others and engage. Having compassion for others – it’s real feel-good experience.” – Janice, volunteer baker, driver and committee member.

Keep moving

• ACC has new free classes called Live Stronger to help you improve your strength and balance. Reducing harm from falls and injuries will greatly help your mental health. https://www.livestronger.org.nz/find-a-community-strength-and-balance-class/find-a-strength-and-balance-class/find-a-class
• Take an exercise class: for example, aqua aerobics, Tai Chi or join a walking club.
• Do your best to get enough sleep and eat nourishing foods.
• Get your hearing checked and access the right care to treat any hearing loss.
• Explore opportunities to learn: look up adult education, visit your local library, attend talks in your neighbourhood and talk to new people.
• Get support with caring responsibilities.

“I find ways to connect by giving, giving baking, giving time, giving love. It’s giving a part of myself and it feels really good.” – Janet, volunteer.

Supporting a loved one through tough times can be challenging. For guidance on how to be there for someone, check out our support page.

If you recognise some of these thoughts or feelings in yourself, consider reaching out for support. Remember, you're in control of your journey, and every step towards wellbeing is a step worth taking. Get help now.