About 20% of adults 55 and older experience some type of mental health problem. Here are some reasons why older adults may be more irritable and moody!

Many people are negative towards the elderly because they may have had bad experiences. Such as being yelled at, being angry, or even being physically assaulted. Because the elderly cannot control themselves, which they may not have experienced before. It may be due to physical and mental changes that directly affect the emotions of the elderly. Let’s understand the elderly more!

Problems of the elderly

• Physically,  the elderly will experience a decline in physical strength, hearing and vision.

• Decreased memory

It makes you more dependent on others. Sometimes you have to ask questions to understand each other many times, which can make you irritated. In addition, hormonal changes, especially in women when they enter menopause, directly affect mood.

• Mental

Some older adults may experience the loss of a loved one, the separation of children, feelings of worthlessness after retirement, and anger at having to rely more on those around them. These experiences can take a toll on their mood and may manifest as irritability and anger.

• Social and family aspects

There are changes in social status, work, retirement, and a reduction in the role of head of the family. Sometimes, the elderly may feel that they are not loved or wanted by their children or those around them. Which results in them expressing themselves by complaining and being sarcastic in order to get more attention from their children or caregivers.

Elderly people and mental health problems

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20% of adults age 55 and older experience some type of mental health problem, but only one-third receive treatment. About 10% of adults age 65 and older are diagnosed with depression. Nearly 8% of people age 65 and older are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Mood disorders are common in old age and increase with age.

Depression in the elderly is caused by many factors and may manifest as mood swings, bad temper, not talking much, not wanting to talk to anyone, loss of appetite, eating less, changes in sleep, such as sleeping more or not sleeping, lethargy, not interested in doing activities, etc.

In some elderly people who have mood swings and bad tempers, it may be an early symptom of depression, causing the patient to have no energy and desire to live. The patient may not want to do any activities, not want to eat, causing the body’s immune system to weaken, putting them at risk of various diseases and death. Therefore, observing, สมัคร ufabet caring for the elderly and providing treatment in the early stages is necessary.

Elderly people, are mood swings related to brain disease?

The elderly’s mood swings and anger may be changes that occur with the elderly’s age due to environmental factors. However, these symptoms may be symptoms of other diseases, such as:

• Alzheimer’s dementia , which is caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the nervous system, usually occurs in people over 65 years of age. Other symptoms may include memory problems, inability to remember events, asking the same questions repeatedly, and behavioral problems such as becoming more easily irritated or delusional. If symptoms become severe, the ability to perform daily activities may be lost.

Elderly people with mood swings and anger problems, can they be treated?

Treatment of elderly people with mood swings and anger depends on the cause. If it is a symptom of a disease such as Alzheimer’s disease or depression, treatment should be according to the treatment guidelines for each disease. However, if mood swings and anger are caused by emotions, mentality, and society, basic care can be provided. 

How to Keep Elderly from Getting Angry

• Find activities for seniors to do, especially activities that can be done together as a group with family or society.
• Give respect, give roles, show importance, such as being a consultant on various matters.
• Meet regularly with family and social gatherings.
• Praying, practicing Dhamma, meditating

Addressing physical issues that may hinder communication or daily life, such as using hearing aids, finding the right glasses, canes or walking aids, so that the elderly do not feel like they are a burden to their children and grandchildren.