Seniors Service

Life for many older people is a time of contentment and reflection. However as we age, we are faced with new and potentially difficult challenges, including health challenges.

Some stressors are more common in later life, such as a decline in functional ability. For example, older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty or other health problems. Being more dependent on others for care can lead to a sense of a loss of dignity and independence.

In addition, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement, a decline in socioeconomic status with retirement or a change in living arrangements. All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness or psychological distress.

Depression and anxiety are often not well recognised or detected in older people. Quite often symptoms of depression, such as problems with sleeping, memory or concentration are mistakenly dismissed as a result of growing older. Sometimes depression and anxiety co-exist with dementia and this can make the specific diagnosis difficult.

The stigma surrounding these conditions makes older people reluctant to seek help.

To find out more about Albert Road Clinic’s older persons unit, please complete the contact us form, or alternatively contact 03 9256 8322 to have a confidential conversation with one of our staff members.