Mental Health Chapter 31 (part 1)

define the following age classifications:
-young old
-middle old
-old old
-centenerians
-semisupercentenarians
-supercentenerians

Young Old - 65-74 years
Middle-Old -75-84 years
Old-Old- 85-100- years
Centenarians- 100-104 -years
Semisupercentenarians- 105-109 - years
Supercentenarians- 110-119 years

what is significant in older adults and mental illness?

-Mental illness in older adults is often misdiagnosed.

-Mental illness in older adults is often under-treated

-Diagnosing and treating mental health problems in older adults can improve quality of life, functioning and recovery from illness

how are mental health issues seen in older adults?

-Depression—not a normal part of aging
-Depression and suicide risk—white males older than age 75 at highest risk
-Anxiety disorders
-Delirium—secondary to general medical condition
-Dementia
-Alcohol abuse
-Medications
-Abuse and Neglect

what can depression be confused with?

Can be confused with dementia and delirium

what assessment is done for depression? (3)

-Onset of mental status changes
-Level of consciousness
-Attention span

what is significant about aging and suicide risk? (2)

-Suicide in older adults probably under-reported
-Risk increases with age in men., especially 65 and older CDC (2015)

what creates an increased risk for aging and suicide? (3)

-Access to weapons
-Access to large doses of medications
-Chronic or terminal illness, pain

what is FOF?

Fear of Falling - results in activity restriction, homebound, agoraphobia

how are anxiety disorders seen in older adults? What are 4 risk factors?

-Most common- generalized anxiety disorder
-FOF- Fear of Falling - results in activity restriction, homebound, agoraphobia
-Risk Factors for Anxiety
-Childlessness
-Trauma
-Low socioeconomic status
-Female, single, multiple medical conditions