Older Adult Behavioral Health

Older adulthood often comes with mental health stressors, such as physical and/or cognitive decline, deaths of family and friends, and isolation. These stressors can contribute to behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorders. With approximately 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, older adults’ behavioral health is an area of significant concern — particularly when you consider that chronic conditions common in older adults such as diabetes, stroke, hearing loss or heart disease can put them at greater risk of depression and anxiety.

There are ways that hospitals and health systems can support behavioral health and mental well-being in their older patients.