I’m a few short years away from my milestone 60th birthday. My sister hit it just last month.
We have both decided that it’s when life truly begins.
For me, the coming decades hold the hope of more adventure and discovery, experienced with the wisdom of age and the determined attitude of someone who has seen and heard a lot already.
However, 60 can also mark the beginning of a series of major life events which can take a toll on a person’s mental health if they’re not aware of the risks, or prepared for them.
In particular, loneliness poses a significant risk to the mental health of older Australians. It is often silent and invisible and, if left unchecked, can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety and even thoughts of suicide.
Up to 15 per cent of older adults experience depression, but for people living in residential aged care the rate is higher, rising to around 30 per cent. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, men aged 85 and older are the most likely of any age group to take their own lives.
A recent report by Relationships Australia – An Epidemic of Loneliness – found that decreasing levels of social support and emotional loneliness were associated with ageing and were generally observed for people aged 55 to 64 years.
It also found loneliness increased after age 64, with the highest reported rates recorded among people aged 75 years and over – 19 per cent.
There are some common life events and issues experienced by older Australians which put them at particular risk of loneliness and isolation, and increase their risk of developing a mental health condition.
Retirement – We devote so much time and effort to our jobs and careers, it’s not surprising that many people struggle to fill that void. Some may feel that part of their identity has gone, while others find it difficult to find a new purpose and drive. Longstanding work friendships and social networks may also slow down or cease when people retire.
Physical injuries, illness and disability – the loss of independence and self-confidence can result in people withdrawing from friends, family and the social activities that used to bring them joy.
Bereavement and grief – the loss of a partner, close friends and relatives can have devastating impacts on those left behind. Without support, that grief and loss can seem insurmountable.
In the same way that we would plan ahead for our financial security in retirement and our physical health needs as we age, putting in place strategies to protect and nurture good mental health needs to be a priority.
Because as we face the challenges ahead, it is our mental health and resilience – our ability to cope in difficult times – that will enable us to bounce back and continue enjoying life.
And as well as protecting us from loneliness, making new friendships and cementing old ones can play a wonderful part in the exciting new phase of life that starts at 60.
There are strategies we can put in place now for our own futures and to support loved ones approaching their golden years. By investing in friendships, relationships and social networks, people take steps to protect their mental health from the effects of loneliness.
It’s important to make time to spend with friends and family, check in with people you care about and reconnect with friends from your past. You can also explore new activities to take up with friends or join a new group or club to meet new people with similar interests and values.
Beyond Blue has a range of resources, advice and expert information to help older people maintain good mental health and is also funding a landmark $5 million study into the mental health of older Australians.
This is a joint endeavour with the National Health and Medical Research Council and we are specifically examining the effects of loneliness and the protective factors against it.
This research will help us identify the best ways to provide mental health support and prevent suicide for older Australians, and inform and drive Beyond Blue’s future advocacy and the development of approaches to help older adults maintain good mental health.
To find out more about the work of Beyond Blue, click here.
If you’re depressed or need someone to talk to, there are many 24/7 support lines available, including Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, MensLineAustralia on 1300 789 978 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.