Mental Health in Older Adulthood: What Community Providers Need to Know

Course overview

Description: Although many older adults experience high levels of life satisfaction, some will experience mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma and/or substance misuse. Often, these issues are compounded by a lack of access to mental health services, stigma related to aging and/or mental health and a general misunderstanding of how mental health concerns are experienced in later life. In this thought-provoking and practical training, participants will analyze the current prevalence of mental health concerns among older adults, recognize differences in how mental health is experienced in older adulthood and develop strategies to support older adults who may be struggling with these mental health concerns. Objectives: 1. Analyze the current prevalence of mental health concerns among older adults living in the United States. 2. Recognize differences in how mental health is experienced in older adulthood, as well as the impact of older adults' lack of access to mental health services and stigma related to aging and/or mental health. 3. Develop strategies for community providers to support older adults who may be struggling with these mental health concerns.