Mental health and well-being in later life

According to Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health, mental health, substance use, and addiction challenges can negatively affect older adults and their families. To help with these challenges, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has launched the “understanding mental health and well-being in later life project” and developed a series of evidence-based handouts for adults aged 65 and older to raise their awareness of mental health and addiction issues.

The series consists of 12 brief handouts that introduce a breadth of mental health and addiction topics and provide contact information for organizations that can provide additional help in Ontario. Topics include, but are not limited to: depression, anxiety disorders, dementia, and cannabis and alcohol use. These handouts are free to download, print, and share in 12 written languages.

The project also includes workshops for those older adults who are experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, want to know where they can find help, or just want to learn more. This series of 12 evidence-based workshops for adults over 65 includes an overview, mental health promotion, anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, delirium, psychosis, opioids and benzodiazepines, cannabis and alcohol, gambling, and navigating the care system.

The project is led by the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with funding from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility and the Ministry of Health. Find out more at https://kmb.camh.ca/ and search for “understanding mental health and well-being in later life.”

Social isolation can have a big impact on mental health. Community Care for Seniors can help with this and we encourage people to participate in Active Living Programs for seniors 60+. We have something on 5 days/week to help seniors get active, make friends, be well! There are over 50 online events each month including fitness and arts classes along with socials. In November, the Zoom webinar topics include “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” with Adam Cavanaugh from the Picton Public Library; “Sleep – Are you Getting Enough” with Tammy Orr & Janice Hall from the Prince Edward Family Health Team; “Nearby and Natural” and “Nature West in Quinte West and Beyond” with Naturalist Terry Sprague; and “Virtual Bingo”. Community Care now offers a phone only option for these zoom webinars – no computer is needed. For more info or to participate: call 613-476-7493; www.communitycareforseniors.org.