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Which Metal Health Conditions Are Covered Under Health Insurance Policies For Senior Citizens?

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Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. Mental health should be taken seriously, especially in adults. Depression, anxiety and stress can lead to severe mental conditions which can affect the life of a person. Due to many factors, people face burnout, which harms their mental state, especially the elderly population. Buying health insurance becomes essential for seniors. And before you buy any plan, remember to check senior citizen mental health treatment inclusions to ensure one gets the best treatment if a crisis comes knocking.

Mental Health Status Of Seniors

Nowadays, people are more prone to mental health conditions due to increased stress, depression, anxiety, and several other factors. These issues are commonly seen in senior adults due to factors like social isolation, loss of loved ones, work stress, physical limitations, critical disease, retirement difficulty, etc. A proper family health insurance plan includes mental illness coverage, which assists policyholders in their time of need.

Following are some common issues that can affect the mental health of the elderly population:

Depression

Depression is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated issue. It is the most common mental disorder that is seen in seniors. Depression can be caused due to social isolation or can be a symptom of dementia.

Bipolar disorder

This condition is associated with manic behaviour, confusion, hyperactivity, cognitive issues like memory problems, and loss of perception and judgment. These symptoms are primarily seen in ageing people, making diagnosing difficult.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common issue that seniors usually face. It may be due to fear of something, poor health, sleeping problems, alcohol abuse, trauma, or any medical side effects. Excessive worry, chronic fatigue, nervousness, irritability, and poor sleep quality are some symptoms you must look out for.

Schizophrenia

This issue is similar to dementia, where people often hallucinate and feel paranoia. This usually happens to seniors after age 45. It is a chronic mental status characterised by distortion in language, sense of behaviour, perception, thinking, and emotions.

How does Ageing Affect Brain Functions?

Ageing affects our body and cognitive abilities. As we age, the brain shrinks in volume in the frontal cortex. With the ageing of our body, our blood pressure rises and increases the possibility of stroke and ischaemia. The white matter in the brain may develop lesions, leading to memory decline or other illnesses. Furthermore, finding words and recalling names become difficult for senior adults. The brain stops functioning at its total capacity, which may cause severe disorders and mental issues. This is why buying a senior citizen health insurance plan becomes essential.

Conditions that Trigger Mental Illness In Senior Citizens

As people age, they encounter several changes in their body and brain. This leads to harsh emotional breakdowns and physical stress. Following are some conditions that trigger mental illness in seniors and the conditions they are highly prone to:

Loss of loved ones

Losing loved ones can harshly affect the mental strength of a person. Seniors are more prone to this condition as they suffer from such losses and become extremely overwhelmed to deal with it.

Loneliness

Another condition that affects older people is living alone. Having no one to talk to or share lunch with is quite depressing. This leads to stress and depression.

Physical limitation

Senior citizens lose the ability to walk properly due to bone problems. They are often advised to rest or to be in a wheelchair. Such a situation causes feelings of dependence and social cut-off, which leads to several mental disorders.

Retirement

Retirement is the most stress-causing condition. Busy schedules and constant stress at work make it difficult for people to build their retirement lives. Senior adults often face mental disorders when they are unable to cope with their retirement life. Having the right insurance plan can help you tackle your retirement life.

Inclusion of Mental Health Treatment in Senior Citizen Plans

A health insurance plan must cover mental health treatment. While buying an insurance plan for seniors, check for mental illness inclusions and exclusions. Following are some senior citizen mental health treatment conditions that are covered under health insurance plans:

• Schizophrenia

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Anxiety disorder

• Psychological disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder

• Acute depression

• Bipolar disorder

• Mood disorders

Tips to Live Well for Seniors

Recognising senior citizen mental health is essential. Addressing those illnesses and providing medical help can improve things. A stable mental state is essential for living a better and happier life. If you are ageing, planning your retirement and getting the right health insurance is essential.

• Do not sit idle. Join a new group or club to interact with people and establish a purpose in life. Make new friends and spend time with your family and loved ones.

• Stay connected spiritually. Reading holy books, getting to know your inner power, and connecting with supreme power keep you at peace.

• Follow the things you love or have an interest in. Live your hobbies and enjoy playing board games, stitching, drawing, etc. You can also play cognitive games to keep your brain active and sharp.

• Do not socially isolate.

• Avoid feelings of loneliness by actively participating in daily activities.

• Go for regular checkups to keep updated on your mental and physical health.

Conclusion

Mental health needs recognition in today’s world. The cognitive issues are increasing and thus require attention and proper care. It is connected to a series of emotional breakdowns and physical stress. If you feel any stress or depression symptoms, always visit a therapist or preferred doctor to seek medical help.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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