I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the arrival of warmer days. May marks the transition from winter to summer here, and many of us feel a lift in our mood and a renewed desire to get outside. That Mental Health Week falls during this time (May 5 to 11) is somehow fitting because it is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on our mental well-being.
For Canadians over 50, daily life and mental health experiences can vary widely. What someone faces at 55 may be very different from what life looks like at 85. In honour of Mental Health Week, let’s take a closer look at how our emotional and psychological needs shift as we age.
- Ages 50 to 64 – The juggling act: This stage of life can feel like a balancing act. Many still work outside the home while caring for aging parents or supporting adult children. These pressures can lead to higher stress levels, anxiety, or depression. The good news? People in this age group are more likely to recognize when they need help and seek support.
- Ages 65 to 74 – A breath of fresh air: For some, retirement brings relief from work stress and more time for hobbies or loved ones. But it can also bring health concerns or feelings of loss, be it a loss of routines, social connections or purpose. For others who continue working, there may be different challenges, such as managing job demands, age-related stigma, or balancing work with health needs. In both cases, paying attention to mood changes and staying socially engaged can help protect mental well-being.
- Ages 75 to 84 – Quiet challenges: In this phase, chronic health conditions and the loss of friends or a spouse can weigh heavily. While many feel content, others may struggle silently with depression or anxiety. The stigma or belief that “feeling down is just a normal part of aging” can prevent people from reaching out for help.
- Ages 85 and up – Staying connected: Older adults in this age group are most at risk of social isolation and loneliness, especially those living alone or facing limited mobility. Cognitive changes, including dementia, can also become more common. Gentle check-ins, community programs and staying connected with others can make a big difference.
What helps: Protective factors for mental wellness
Many protective factors can help older adults maintain good mental health. These include having a good support system (friends, family, community), engaging in meaningful activities or hobbies, maintaining a sense of purpose and the ability to reach out to services. Building and nurturing these supports can make a big difference, regardless of age.
No matter your age, you can take steps to support your community’s mental health. The Wellness Centre offers a free online training to help you recognize warning signs of declining well-being and guide individuals, especially those who are isolated or lack social support, toward appropriate resources. In addition, our WE Mind Mental Health program includes a comprehensive directory of mental health services available in English that you can search by topic.
In closing, if you would like to connect with others and are free on Tuesday mornings over the summer (until September), you are welcome to join us every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for our summer schedule of Brain Power Drop-ins!
I hope you have a great time reclaiming the outdoors after this long winter!
Anaïs