Ep. 59 - The Mental Health Challenges of Getting Older

Send us Fan MailGetting older is supposed to be the stage when life slows down and gets easier. But aging can bring an entirely new set of challenges, from changes in physical health and sleep to retirement, loneliness, loss, anxiety, and questions about how much time is left.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explore the mental and emotional realities of aging and why treating older adults can be very different from treating younger patients. They discuss late-life depression, how medical conditions can affect mood and brain function, and why symptoms that look like depression may sometimes have another underlying cause.They also talk about the losses that can accumulate with age, including spouses, friends, independence, physical abilities, and familiar routines. At the same time, aging can bring perspective and wisdom. Staying connected, keeping the brain active, maintaining relationships, exercising, reading, creating, and having a sense of purpose can all become increasingly important as isolation becomes a greater concern.Sleep is another major piece of the conversation, including the long-term use of sleep medications, the importance of healthy sleep habits, and the added risks older adults can face from grogginess, balance problems, and falls. Ultimately, aging isn't simply a period of decline or a time to sit back and disengage. It's a complicated stage of life that requires adjustment, support, and sometimes a little more patience and compassion from everyone around us.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]