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Behavioral Health for Older Adults

Here and around the world, many types of mental disorders are common, including anxiety and depression. Nearly 58 million U.S. adults (one in five) lives with at least one mental illness, and sometimes more than one. Get information and resources on how to manage your mental health as you age.
Find information for managing ongoing mental health concerns as you age or coping with difficult emotions from grief or life changes.

NCOA Adviser

A senior woman wearing glasses sits at her computer in a coffee shop, contemplating a decision and looking out the window.

How online therapy can help

There are several affordable online therapy platforms to choose from that can help manage your mental health in the comfort and privacy of your home. 

Find the One That's Right for You

Resources to Help You Age Well

Looking for a new OTC hearing aid, medical alert system or adjustable bed? NCOA Adviser is a free resource with reviews of products and services to help people age well. Get more info, including cost breakdown, how to buy, and which companies have the best customer service.

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Consumer protections and easier access mean over-the-counter hearing aids could help millions of older adults treat their hearing loss.

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5 Healthy Aging Tips Every Woman Should Know

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Eating disorders anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder can occur at any age, and treatment should involve many trained professionals

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Eating Disorders Don’t Discriminate on the Basis of Age or Gender

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Consuming alcohol as we age is common, but may come with new risks.

Feb 13, 2024

Drinking and Healthy Aging: Know Your Limits

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If you’re in severe emotional distress, one of the first things you should do is tell someone else about it. You can also dial or text 988 from your phone to speak with a counselor who is specially trained in suicide prevention.

Jan 9, 2024

There's Always Someone to Turn to: How the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Can Help

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A Caucasian senior man is sitting in the dark with his head bent over on his cane, seemingly depressed.

Jan 9, 2024

Suicide and Older Adults: What You Should Know

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New policy changes in 2024 will increase the number of Medicare-approved mental health providers and help more older adults get the care they need.

Dec 1, 2023

Expanded Mental Health Care Access for People With Medicare

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As the holidays approach, people who are grieving may have conflicting feelings, but the holidays can still be a time of connection and meaning. Intentional self care, planning ahead, being flexible with traditions, and incorporating rituals to honor loved ones can help.

Oct 31, 2023

7 Tips for Navigating Grief During the Holidays

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Oct 20, 2023

Get the Facts on Healthy Aging

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Seven years in the making, the documentary Unconditional shows the mental health impact of caregiving and reminds us that mental health is health. When minds hurt, love heals.

Oct 5, 2023

Unconditional: Mental Health of Caregivers Subject of Powerful Documentary

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A senior Caucasian woman is at home during the pandemic, staring outside of her window.

Sep 29, 2023

Mental Illness Is Not a Normal Part of Aging

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Social isolation impacts 1 in 4 U.S. older adults, and its effects on mental health are significant. Group therapy and peer support programs can help.

Jun 28, 2023

Online Therapy for Social Isolation: A Guide for Older Adults

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many community-based organizations to alter or cancel health promotion programs. Keep track of the updates coming from individual programs, including whether it's feasible to continue implementation or if telehealth options have been put in place.

Jun 20, 2023

How to Improve Mental Health for Older Adults Living in Rural Areas

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A senior woman is sitting in her house, full of boxes that are packed - looking at a photo album and remembering the past.

May 4, 2023

The Widowhood Effect: How to Survive the Loss of a Spouse

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Due to the negative impacts of COVID-19, 71% of older adults now report willingness to seek mental health care. See how online therapy can help meet the need.

May 3, 2023

The Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults' Mental Health: How Online Therapy Can Help

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Is online counseling right for you or a loved one? See how it works, what it costs, where to find it, and how to choose a provider in this handy FAQ.

May 1, 2023

Online Therapy: A Mental Health Guide for Older Adults

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The effects of stress on older adults can be greater than in different age groups. Discover common causes, signs and stress reduction strategies.

Mar 24, 2023

Stress and How to Reduce It: A Guide for Older Adults

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Older adults living with diabetes can benefit from a positive, supportive social network to help them make and maintain necessary behavior changes. Remember, you're not alone.

Jul 29, 2022

Older Adults and Diabetes: How Social Support Can Help

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For older adults who feel they may be losing some mental sharpness, it's important to look into mood changes as a potential cause.

Jun 23, 2022

Mental Sharpness in Older Adults: Check on Your Mood Before Blaming Your Mind

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Learn more about the mental health challenges experienced by people living with Parkinson’s and care partners, and ways to manage emotional well-being.

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The Mental Health Aspects of Parkinson's: How It's More Than a Movement Disease

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Many people are reluctant to talk about mental health, but a diagnosis is the first step toward treatment.

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How to Support Loved Ones Who Have Mental Health Conditions

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When surfing the web for mental health information, be sure to ask who is the author, how old is the information, is it too good to be true, and who is hosting this information?

May 4, 2022

How to Find Trustworthy Mental Health Information Online

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Older adults have unique risk factors for developing depression. Learn what they are—and what symptoms you should look out for.

Apr 26, 2022

How Common is Depression in Older Adults?

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Chronic anxiety is not an inevitable part of getting older. Learn about the risk factors for anxiety disorders and how older adults can get the help they need.

Apr 22, 2022

Anxiety and Older Adults: A Guide to Getting the Relief You Need

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Mar 31, 2021

COVID-Driven Isolation Can Be Dangerous for Older Adults

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Dec 1, 2020

Older Adults and Gun Violence Trauma: Tips for the Aging Network

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7 Tips for Managing Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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NCOA’s Aging Mastery Program® puts gratitude and mindfulness front and center, and combines them as one of our six dimensions of aging well.

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The Many Gifts of Gratitude

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Jun 15, 2017

LGBT Older Adults Run a Higher Risk for These 3 Chronic Conditions

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