FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS
Healthy Aging 6 steps to support the mental health of older relatives
BY ERIN PAGE. SPONSORED BY
Many metro parents are in the unique position of caring for their children and caring for aging parents or grandparents. While physical health concerns can certainly mount as we age, mental health struggles can be a silent and often under-detected problem for the aging population. We spoke with Bonnie Campo, senior director of public relations for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, about the most important ways to support the mental health of aging family members. 1. Include aging loved ones in holiday celebrations — and throughout the year. When families are together for the holidays, discuss resolutions for including older relatives in family fun during the upcoming year. That could include setting a time for weekly or monthly calls or FaceTimes and planning activities such as regular meals, coffee or walks together. For families who don’t live close to each other, get creative to enjoy each others’ presence during the holiday season. FaceTime to watch the opening of gifts, play online games or bake a special dish over Zoom. Then, extend that spirit of togetherness throughout the year. “My husband’s mother lives in Florida, so, for my family, we call multiple times a week – that’s the only time she sees her granddaughter until we make it to Florida,” said Campo. “We also send cards and care packages and then open them on the calls together. Those phone calls bring us together even when distance divides us.” 2. Be aware of the signs. As individuals age, it can be challenging to determine if a symptom is a sign of a physical health problem or is actually a mental health issue. Symptoms of physical, mental and cognitive issues can often overlap. Campo advises to watch aging relatives for incremental differences that could indicate a mental health issue, including changes in appearance, like a drastic hair cut, reduced attention to personal hygiene or sudden weight gain or loss. Pulling away from social situations, isolation and losing interest in activities they once enjoyed are also key signs. An individual who’s received a difficult health diagnosis or who is experiencing grief over the loss of a spouse, friend or job can be at risk for mental health struggles.
“Loss tends to be great when you are in the aging population,” said Campo. “Sometimes we think they’ve experienced so much loss that they know how to handle it, but it can still be overwhelming, especially when considering loss as it relates not only to people but also to the loss of autonomy, hearing, mobility, vision and so on.” 3. Understand the risk of suicide. In Oklahoma, 872 suicides were reported in 2022, the highest Campo has seen on record. Ages 65+ accounted for 20 percent of those deaths by suicide, the second highest age group in the state, according to ODMHSAS. “We see this predominantly with older, white men,” said Campo. “This is a group that doesn’t always talk about their feelings. We are trying to encourage that it’s OK to talk to someone and they don’t have to do this alone. Older populations tend to create a plan, so we have to reach them before the first attempt.”
Signs an aging relative might be considering suicide: • Giving away personal items. For aging relatives this could include clearing out their home. • Withdrawing from family and friends, saying goodbyes or isolating themselves. • Making abrupt appearance changes. In the aging population, this could include neglecting hygiene. • Engaging in risky behaviors. This could include substance use or risky financial behavior. • Losing interest in things they once loved, including activities and relationships. • Talking about wanting to die, being a burden, having no reason to live or ending the pain. If you see or hear these signs or have any concerns a loved one could be considering suicide, call or text 988 immediately.
16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2023
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