Question

Some statements regarding to stages of old age and mental health:

(a) Ignorance of parent by their children, Lack of communication leading to loneliness.

(b) Seeking help from children due to no source of income due to old age.

(c) Repeated insult and negligence from daughter-in-law.

(d) Lack of physical capacity to work though willing.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

1. Only (a)
2. (a) and (b)
3. (c) and (d)
4. All above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : All above

The correct answer is All above.

• Old age and mental health-Older adults, those aged 60 or above, make important contributions to society as family members, volunteers, and active participants in the workforce.
• While most have good mental health, many older adults are at risk of developing mental disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use problems as well as other health conditions such as diabetes, hearing loss, and osteoarthritis.
• There may be multiple risk factors for mental health problems at any point in life.
• Older people may experience life stressors common to all people, but also stressors that are more common in later life, like a significant ongoing loss in capacities and a decline in functional ability.
  • For example, older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care.
  • Also, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, or a drop in socioeconomic status with retirement.
  • All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness, or psychological distress in older people, for which they may require long-term care.
• Mental health has an impact on physical health and vice versa.
  • For example, older adults with physical health conditions such as heart disease have higher rates of depression than those who are healthy.
  • Additionally, untreated depression in an older person with heart disease can negatively affect its outcome.
• Older adults are also vulnerable to elder abuse - including physical, verbal, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect, and serious losses of dignity and respect.
• Solutions:
  • Adequate housing through supportive housing policy.
  • Providing security and freedom.
  • Social support for older people and their caregivers.
  • Health and social programs targeted at vulnerable groups such as those who live alone and rural populations or who suffer from a chronic or relapsing mental or physical illness.
  • Programs to prevent and deal with elder abuse.
  • Community development programs.