The growing need to address mental health issues amongst people above 60 in India

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India’s rapid economic development has brought great prosperity, much of which was achieved through the sacrifice and hard work of a generation now retiring. Their dedication meant leading a busy life with very little time for themselves. Bigger dreams have meant sending children to distant places in India or abroad, so that the latter can fulfill their goals and desires in life. Paradoxically, a smaller and more well-connected digital world has only increased the distances between families and societies. And in the midst of hectic life, the retired generation now faces the challenge of coping with loneliness as time-tested family systems have collapsed.

Retirement causes a sudden change in a well-established routine in a person’s life, which is often confusing and overwhelming. This is also accompanied by a loss of connections and social interactions within the peer group, leading to increased insecurity. Society also associates retirement with dependency, which leads to a decline in the retiree’s self-confidence and self-esteem. In the early days, retirement meant spending quality time with family and enjoying the rest of life; however, today, retirement means time alone while the children of most families move out of town. These massive changes are very difficult to manage and often lead to increased anxiety and depression. In today’s fast-moving society, this is a quietly growing problem among the aging sector that isn’t talked about as much.

The lack of physical contact due to high travel costs has only increased parents’ stress and anxiety levels. They envision their future, without any support, but are reluctant to speak out due to various constraints. Conflicting desires to see their children prosper, as well as physical proximity, further increase stress on mental well-being. With life expectancy increasing and the next generation becoming more established outside the place of origin, the empty house syndrome is poised to increase further. There is an urgent requirement to address the aspect of the lack of social support for mental health in our country.

The WHO estimates that more than 20% of the elderly, over 60 years of age, face mental or neurological disorders. The challenges of declining physical capacity and functional abilities, coupled with social isolation and reduced support from family and society, leave the elderly vulnerable. Loneliness is a major accelerator, leading to the early onset of mental health problems with depression and dementia being two of the most common problems. In the early stages of mental health problems, people experience changes in their social lives with friends and family and become frustrated with them. They tend not to remember things like keys or how to get back from a new place, and even routine activities become more difficult. People with dementia can sometimes become more aggressive or agitated when they don’t understand things that are happening to them or around them.

The biggest hurdle in diagnosis is often a person’s reluctance to accept that a problem exists. Reluctance can stem from social pressure or financial constraints or a lack of mental health awareness. Due to a lack of knowledge, mental health issues among older adults are often overlooked or ignored. The elderly are a high-risk group and therefore it is important to monitor their mental health status.

Some of the mitigation measures include increased communication within the family and increased awareness of mental health issues. Both the elderly and their families must be prepared to talk about it and accept that such a mental health problem is thriving within the family. It is important to seek medical help and not associate medical help with any kind of social stigma. The focus should be on improving emotional, physical, and social well-being to create a happier environment. Adults in the family should always encourage parents and elders to be socially active by getting involved with neighbors, relatives, and friends. Hobbies like reading, gardening, cooking, or even devotional activities help keep their minds sharp and active, boosting their confidence and increasing positivity, reducing the chances of any mental health issues.

While we all talk about mental health issues with millennials of the current generation, it’s important to understand that there is a generation that is older than us and needs the same emotional support and attention.

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