Age Less / Live More
631: Mental Health in Later Life with Dr. Helen Lavretsky
Jul 31, 2024
Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a psychiatrist and UCLA professor specializing in geriatric psychiatry, sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by those over 60, revealing that loneliness and chronic pain are significant factors. She discusses the aging brain's shifts and the challenges of polypharmacy. Fascinatingly, Dr. Lavretsky emphasizes the uplifting power of music, chanting, and mind-body practices like yoga, highlighting their benefits for mental well-being and cognitive health in later life.
32:50
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Quick takeaways
- Addressing mental health proactively in later life is essential due to prevalent issues like loneliness, isolation, and chronic pain among older adults.
- Engaging in mind-body practices and nurturing social connections significantly enhance cognitive and emotional health in the aging population.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Causes of Mental Health Disorders in Older Adults
A significant portion of individuals over 60 years old experience mental health disorders, primarily depression and anxiety, as reported by the WHO. Contributing factors include loneliness, isolation, chronic pain, and declining health, which often lead to individuals suffering in silence due to a lack of social support. The challenges of aging exacerbate these issues, making it crucial to address mental health proactively in later life. Recognizing these factors is the first step toward creating effective support systems for older adults to enhance their well-being.
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