Many people assume that if someone reaches their 60s without a history of mental illness, they're somehow "in the clear." Unfortunately, that isn't always true. While many mental health conditions first appear earlier in life, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorders, and even symptoms that resemble mental illness due to medical conditions can emerge later in adulthood. Retirement, the loss of a spouse, social isolation, chronic pain, financial stress, caregiving responsibilities, medication interactions, hearing or vision loss, and major medical illnesses can all increase emotional vulnerability. It's also important to remember that some conditions, including dementia, infections, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or reactions to medications, can cause sudden changes in mood, personality, or thinking that should never be dismissed as "just getting older."The warning signs are often subtle at first. A loved one may withdraw from family, lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed, become unusually suspicious, neglect personal hygiene, experience dramatic mood swings, sleep too much or too little, express feelings of hopelessness, or begin hearing or seeing things that others do not. Others may become confused, forgetful, agitated, or unusually impulsive. Because these symptoms can have either psychiatric or medical causes, the first step should always be a comprehensive medical evaluation. Primary care providers can rule out underlying health problems, review medications, and refer patients to geriatric psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists, or other specialists when appropriate. Early evaluation often leads to better outcomes and can prevent a treatable condition from becoming a crisis.
As someone who works with older adults in an acute geriatric behavioral health unit, I've seen first hand how frightening these changes can be for families. Many arrive feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure whether they're overreacting. The truth is that asking for help is an act of love, not failure. If your loved one is struggling but is not in immediate danger, begin by speaking with their healthcare provider and documenting the changes you've noticed. If they are talking about suicide, threatening to harm themselves or others, experiencing severe confusion, or are unable to safely care for themselves, seek emergency medical care or call 911 immediately. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988, offering free, confidential support for people experiencing mental health crises as well as guidance for concerned family members.
Mental illness after 60 is not a character flaw, a weakness, or an inevitable part of aging. Millions of older adults live full, meaningful lives after receiving appropriate treatment, whether through counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, support groups, or specialized behavioral health programs. Families don't have to navigate this journey alone. Organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and local Area Agencies on Aging provide education, referrals, and support. One of the greatest gifts we can give an aging loved one is to notice when something isn't right, respond with compassion instead of judgment, and remind them that hope and healing remain possible at every stage of life.
This topic is especially important because many people assume mental illness is a normal part of aging. It isn't. While some cognitive and physical changes can occur with age, persistent depression, anxiety, hallucinations, severe mood changes, or significant personality changes warrant prompt medical evaluation and should never be dismissed as "just getting old."
Be well,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
@SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
@superiorselfwithkjlandis on TikTok
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
Resources
As someone who works with older adults in an acute geriatric behavioral health unit, I've seen first hand how frightening these changes can be for families. Many arrive feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure whether they're overreacting. The truth is that asking for help is an act of love, not failure. If your loved one is struggling but is not in immediate danger, begin by speaking with their healthcare provider and documenting the changes you've noticed. If they are talking about suicide, threatening to harm themselves or others, experiencing severe confusion, or are unable to safely care for themselves, seek emergency medical care or call 911 immediately. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988, offering free, confidential support for people experiencing mental health crises as well as guidance for concerned family members.
Mental illness after 60 is not a character flaw, a weakness, or an inevitable part of aging. Millions of older adults live full, meaningful lives after receiving appropriate treatment, whether through counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, support groups, or specialized behavioral health programs. Families don't have to navigate this journey alone. Organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and local Area Agencies on Aging provide education, referrals, and support. One of the greatest gifts we can give an aging loved one is to notice when something isn't right, respond with compassion instead of judgment, and remind them that hope and healing remain possible at every stage of life.
This topic is especially important because many people assume mental illness is a normal part of aging. It isn't. While some cognitive and physical changes can occur with age, persistent depression, anxiety, hallucinations, severe mood changes, or significant personality changes warrant prompt medical evaluation and should never be dismissed as "just getting old."
Be well,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
@SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
@superiorselfwithkjlandis on TikTok
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org – Education, family support groups, and local chapters.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov – Information about mental illnesses and treatment.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov – Mental health treatment locator and educational resources.
- Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 to connect with local services for older adults and caregivers.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Older Adults and Mental Health.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Behavioral Health Resources for Older Adults.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mental Health and Aging.
- World Health Organization. Mental Health of Older Adults.
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