man with face mask looking out window

An estimated 1 in 5 older adults currently suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse or another mental health disorder, according to the new National Poll on Healthy Aging. Nearly half said they reported feeling regularly stressed or isolated from others.

University of Michigan researchers who conducted the poll said the conditions are not a normal part of aging and can impair physical and social functioning. U.S. adults between the ages of 50 and 80 were surveyed in early January about mental health symptoms since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey found reporting mental health problems was more common among women, those with higher educational levels and those who rated their physical health as fair or poor.

Two-thirds of those surveyed rated their overall mental health as excellent or very good, more than a quarter reported their overall mental health as good, and fewer than 10% said their overall mental health was poor.

Despite mental health declines during the pandemic, the survey found that many of those polled were proactive in addressing their problems. About a third reported making a lifestyle change to improve their wellbeing, such as improving diet, exercising more or doing meditation. 

Researchers said there are a number of other strategies older adults can use to support mental health. They suggest establishing a routine, getting adequate sleep, going outside and minimizing alcohol use. To mitigate isolation, researchers suggested maintaining social connections with friends and family. They also encouraged older adults to seek help from healthcare providers if mental health problems persist.