Getting older comes with many changes. Some are physical. Others affect memory, mood, and mental health. But not every change is simply “part of aging,” and knowing the difference can make a real impact on quality of life. Deanna Houck, a therapist with the Senior Life Solutions program at Stoughton Health, helps shed light on what to watch for and where to turn for help.
How Untreated Mental Illness Affects Aging
Mental health and physical health are deeply connected, and that connection becomes even more important as we age. When mental illness goes untreated, the effects can be significant. Houck explains that conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia can actually speed up the aging of the brain. “Anxiety can exacerbate memory issues, as well as depression can,” she says. “And then, just the overall decline of health all contributes to the aging process.”
How Depression Looks Different in Older Adults
Depression does not always look the same in older adults as it does in younger people. Rather than appearing sad or tearful, an older adult with depression may simply withdraw from life. “It can look like they’re more isolating. They don’t do things they used to do. They stay home more with no interest in doing things,” describes Houck. Depression can also interfere with concentration and memory, which means it is sometimes mistaken for cognitive decline when it is actually a treatable mental health condition.
Normal Aging vs. Something More
One of the most common concerns people have is knowing when memory changes are normal and when they are cause for worry. Houck is clear that minor forgetfulness—missing an appointment here and there, walking into a room and forgetting why—is generally not alarming. But certain signs go beyond normal aging.
“All of a sudden, not knowing how to use the microwave, not knowing what the day of the week it is, trusting a stranger with very personal things, making poor decisions, misplacing items, and then getting upset when you can’t find them, these are warning signs worth taking seriously,” Houck cautions. So is getting lost on a familiar route or experiencing significant personality changes. “If you’re seeing all these things, it’s more than just minor forgetfulness as part of aging,” she adds.
The Role of Anxiety
Anxiety is another common challenge for older adults, and it often goes hand in hand with memory concerns. When someone begins to notice changes in their memory, fear and uncertainty can set in quickly.
“When a person starts to lose their memory, they kind of know what’s going on and it’s a very scary thing,” Houck notes. “And so, it makes that anxiety greater.” Anxiety can also worsen physical symptoms, including pain and digestive issues, making it important to address alongside any other health concerns.
Breaking Down the Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to getting help is stigma. For many older adults, mental health was simply not discussed when they were growing up. Houck acknowledges this directly. “If you look at the geriatric population, they grew up at a different time where mental health was not talked about,” she states.
But, she is equally firm that this needs to change. “Mental health disorders, depression, anxiety, there’s a biological basis for what is going on there. It does help to have support. It does help to work on skills for that,” Houck urges. “Nobody should have to face these challenges alone or feel ashamed for seeking help.”
When to Reach Out
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory changes, mood shifts, or other mental health concerns, help is available. Houck encourages people not to wait. “They don’t have to go through these things alone,” she assures.
Stoughton Health offers free memory screenings, and the Senior Life Solutions program provides individual, group, and family therapy as well as resource referrals. Here are some local contacts to know.
- Senior Life Solutions at Stoughton Health: 608-501-6260
- ADRC of Dane County: 608-240-7400
- Behavioral Resource Center: 608-267-2244
- Stoughton Health Memory Cafe (meets monthly at the hospital): 608-873-2259
