Toolkit Offered for Older Adults

The image of cheery older adults portrayed by talented actors such as Betty White is true enough, but there is another aspect of aging that often goes ignored.

“Various studies suggest that untreated depression contributes to a variety of problems among older adults,” noted Sally King, Older Adult Care coordinator for Tri-County Mental Health Services. “Those are serious issues, too. Problems like increased mortality from heart disease and possibly cancer, suicide, disability, and declines in memory performance.”

Suicide alone is a huge, though rarely discussed, factor for older adults. Older males have the highest suicide rate of any age group in the United States. Overall, statistics also show that adults age 65 and older have one of the highest suicide rates of any age group in the country.

Untreated depression is even a major indicator in stroke survival and is related to fall risk. Depression also lowers their pain threshold and quality of life for older Americans.

More often than not, all of this is avoidable. “Depression is never a normal part of aging,” King added. “It can be identified and it can be treated.”

The discussion is especially relevant because of a recently released tool for older adult organizations. Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services, the Toolkit for Senior Living Communities is designed to promote mental health and prevent suicide.

In the Northland, King is stepping up efforts as part of a proven seasonal approach. “Tri-County’s Older Adult Program offers community education and outreach in Clay, Platte, and Ray counties on older adult mental wellness,” she said. “These services include talks to older adult groups and they are free. A friendly talk before the holidays and before the days get shorter makes a great combination with this toolkit.”

For more information on Tri-County’s Older Adult programs and outreach, contact Sally King at (816) 877-0453 or email sallyk@tri-countymhs.org.

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