Let’s talk about mental health

Yesterday was Bell’s tenth annual Let’s Talk Day, an initiative that aims to raise awareness about mental health by encouraging people to share their personal stories. By opening up the conversation, the goal is to end the stigma around mental illness. The Bell Let’s Talk mental-health initiative is focused on 4 key action pillars: anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace leadership. The campaign serves as an important reminder that mental health and wellbeing matters at every age. Common mental illnesses that affect the health of older adults include Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, depression and anxiety. Many older adults are socially isolated or lonely and research indicates that social isolation and loneliness are health risks that can affect their overall health and well-being. Mental-health issues can affect physical health, emotional and social well-being, and overall quality of life.

 

We’ve compiled the latest evidence-based information on the topic below.


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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.