Senior Mental Health
Advice, information and support for family caregivers who are either providing hands-on care or making long-term care decisions concerning an older adults mental health.
Healthy aging involves more than remaining disease free. Common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders can have a negative impact on overall well-being for young and old alike. Mental health issues in older adults are not a normal part of aging. Moreso, these conditions are particulary impactful in the older population, because they often interfere with a senior's desire to seek treatment for other age-related issues. Although the CDC reports that over 20 percent of older adults experience mental health issues, the good news is mental health conditions are treatable.
To learn more about senior mental health, browse expert articles for information and resources as well as personal stories written by caregivers who share their own experience coping with mental health problems in the elderly. Find help and support in the caregiver forum from the shared wisdom of other caregivers. Whether you need answers to a specific question or just want to participate in discussions with those who understand, AgingCare can help you throughout the journey of caring for a senior with mental health issues.
Mental Health Articles
Understanding Mental Health Issues in Seniors
The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the elderly is challenging yet critical. Increasing awareness of the unique relationship between aging and psychiatric disorders is the first step toward improving mental health care for older adults.
12 CommentsGeriatric Psychiatrists: How Can We Help You?
What is a geriatric psychiatrist and how can they help caregivers and seniors? Caring for older adults requires a special understanding of their physical, social, and mental health needs.
57 CommentsWarning Signs of Depression in the Elderly
Depression is common in seniors but is not a normal part of aging. If you suspect an elderly loved one may be depressed, look for these symptoms.
17 CommentsAnxiety, Hoarding and OCD in the Elderly
Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress, but when a senior’s fears, worries and coping mechanisms negatively affect their daily activities, relationships and quality of life, it crosses over into a serious mental health condition.
7 CommentsPhysical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving
Providing care for a senior can be very rewarding, but without a balanced care plan and regular respite, family caregivers risk developing serious mental and physical health problems of their own.
12 Comments
Mental Health Questions
How to get my mom to stay home instead of with me or whoever will let her?
21 AnswersSID2020 Replied 6 hours agoBad caregiver burnout for an elderly parent who refuses any outside help. Sassing them into this is not an option, we have tried for years.
16 Answerslkdrymom Replied 20 hours agoWhat does one do when their 87-year-old MIL fakes being sick for attention, and goes as far as talking to people who are not there?
16 AnswersLakeErie Answered Mar 26, 2026How to handle a spouse who constantly complains about helping take care of your parents?
20 AnswersGrandma1954 Answered Mar 26, 2026
Mental Health Discussions
On My Mind
10,262 Commentscwillie Commented 16 hours agoCaregiver's cats behaving badly.
2,461 CommentsSendhelp Commented Mar 27, 2026Jokes needed to lighten our day. Enter at your own risk!
9,080 Commentscwillie Commented Mar 26, 2026Pity party... can I just vent?
11 Commentskenmtb Commented Mar 22, 2026
