Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. It is a pattern of life changes that occurs as one grows older. The most common psychological disorders in the elderly population include anxiety, depression, insomnia, cognitive impairment and adjustment disorder.

Many people age gracefully and some not so pleasingly. As a person grows older, will acquire positive values such as knowledge and experience. In addition a wide range of changes can happen in the body with age. These changes are not necessarily indicative of an underlying disease but they can be distressing to the individual. Even though the aging process cannot be stopped, being aware of these changes and adopting to a healthy lifestyle can reduce the impact on overall health.

 

Counselling has been found to be effective for older adults experiencing distress. If necessary a combination of medication and counselling can be successful intervention for psychological symptoms.