Blog

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to sharing the importance
of mental health, overcoming stigma, and highlighting available support. At Signify Health, we
recognize the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on an individual’s overall
health and well-being. Our network of clinicians help people gain a more comprehensive view of
their health by conducting In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). During an IHE, clinicians identify
chronic conditions, close gaps in care, and address social determinants of health, making it
possible for health plan members to get connected to the right care for their unique needs. 

As a physician dedicated to helping people on their path to better health, I have seen firsthand
the profound impact that mental health can have on overall well-being. Unfortunately, mental
health is still too often overlooked, but it’s a critical part of health that shouldn’t be ignored,
especially for older adults.

As we age, our mental health and well-being can be affected by many life changes such as
coping with a serious illness, experiencing social isolation or losing a loved one. In fact,
according to the National Council on Aging, nearly 25 percent of adults 65 and older are living
with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

Having a plan in place to support mental health often leads to better physical health outcomes,
improved cognitive function and remaining independent longer¹ . However, while mental health
conditions can be managed, many older adults go undiagnosed and untreated².

Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Older Adults

Some common mental health concerns among older adults include:

Throughout my career as a clinician, I have seen firsthand the concerns and challenges that cognitive issues give older adults. They fear they’ll lose their memory, their independence, and become a burden to their loved ones. The questions they ask most often are if their “forgetfulness” is just natural aging, or if they’re developing a form of dementia. They are often scared of the answer because they think there is little they can do about it.  

Diabetes does not discriminate with age. Though adults aged 45–64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S., the country has also seen increases in disease prevalence among those 18-44. Most people who develop diabetes as adults develop type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning is that nearly 90% of those who have prediabetes, and thus have an increased risk of developing the disease, aren’t aware they have it. 

October is National Health Literacy Month, which encourages health care professionals to build bridges between organizations and individuals who need health care or services to create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes. 

As a clinician dedicated to helping adults age in their homes, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that proactive health management plays in maintaining a high quality of life. Aging gracefully is not just about adding years to your life, but also ensuring those years are vibrant and fulfilling — spent out of the hospital with as much independence and autonomy as possible.