Mental Health Archive

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

Many single older adults say that they are not looking for a relationship, and that hesitation may be connected to the anxiety about how to pursue a new relationship. But men should explore dating if they are interested. There are now easier ways for singles to meet, such as  online dating. Another option to meet other singles is to explore a new activity or hobby, like signing up for a class or workshop or joining a fitness group or club.

In a 2024 Harvard study involving more than 49,000 women (average age 79), those who reported feeling the most grateful had a 9% lower risk of dying over the following three-year period, compared to those who reported feeling the least grateful.

Depression may be more common as people age, but new data suggest that the biggest threat to older adults' mental health is their failure to recognize its symptoms and seriousness. Many chalk up depression as a normal part of aging, but addressing it as a real and treatable disease can help older adults seek the help they need and not needlessly suffer.

Writing a letter of gratitude to someone can increase positive feelings for both the letter writer and recipient.

In a 2024 study by Harvard researchers, people who reported feeling persistently lonely had a 56% higher risk of experiencing a stroke compared with people who did not report feelings of loneliness.

Doomscrolling is the habit of constantly scrolling online news headlines, which often blare bad news. Doomscrolling became prominent during the pandemic. It can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health effects, including headaches, muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, and existential anxiety. To offset doomscrolling, people can create boundaries around using devices that include keeping phones off their nightstand, opting out of digital notifications, focusing on local news, and asking others not to send you depressing news items.