One central myth around therapy for older adults is that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Some believe that seniors are too stubborn to make improvements after years of living life a certain way. Some even argue that therapy for seniors is useless because patients have so little time to enjoy the rewards of any improvements made. However, these myths are not true. The fact is, therapy can be effective emotional support for anyone at any age, even for seniors.
Mental health is just as important as physical wellness and should be addressed accordingly, especially for older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, about 30% of American adults get clinically depressed; many argue that the rate is higher among the elderly. Alcoholism and drug dependence are also common mental health issues which often go unaddressed after a certain age. Pain from chronic diseases, arthritis, and sleep disorders also have major, mutually reinforcing effects on the stresses of mental health for older adults.
As minds and bodies change with age, techniques for psychotherapeutic counseling have also been adjusted to be more effective for older patients. As seniors generally suffer from the burdens of loss or dependence, special exercises and counseling techniques are designed to work through feelings of grief and isolation. Other professionals are even trained to consider cognitive difficulties of dementia or stroke recovery.
While therapy is a general term, there are many different specific types of therapy including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive analytical therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, humanistic therapy, family and couple therapy. If therapy is a possible solution for you or an older adult you may know, there is still lots to consider. As economic feasibility is often the first concern of anyone considering therapy, there are solutions! You may already be covered by your ehealthcare provider as most health insurance plans cover at least some forms of mental health care. This is also the case with job-based health insurance. The extent of coverage, however, can differ. Some companies or plans may thoroughly cover psychotherapy or counseling sessions while others may only cover the minimum. Nonetheless, there are ways to cover the costs!
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By Prithvi Chauhan
