By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
Mental health resources, support and treatment are more accessible today due to the growth in how society sees mental well-being. The world of sports often reflects these cultural shifts, contributing positively to the broader discussion of mental health and helping to reduce the stigma around seeking support. Older adults, including Senior Games athletes, who have lived longer under the stigma of getting help for mental health can benefit from this shift in attitudes and increase in resources.
Pandemics, economic stressors, school violence, natural disasters and other challenges have taxed our collective mental well-being. Sectors like health care were seeking relief from worker burnout before COVID-19. The Institute on Healthcare Improvement (IHI) responded by offering training on joy in work, patient safety and more. Corporate America offered programs addressing concerns of worker productivity and resilience.
Additionally, institutions like the military have made significant strides in addressing mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention. The Warrior Games and the National Veterans Golden Age Games offer a safe space for veterans to use sports to uplift their mental well-being and health. These programs also help destigmatize mental health struggles for all, but there is still significant work to be done.
Like many other diseases, mental illness results from multiple factors, including genetics, environmental influences and learned behaviors. Despite understanding that many factors are outside of our control, mental illness can feel shameful.
Mental Health & Resiliency Resources
Resilience – the ability to navigate significant change and stress – is easier for some than others.
Many older adults suffered from isolation during COVID-19. The pandemic also raised our awareness of health inequities and their impact on subgroups within the population. Because older adults are more likely to be influenced by the stigma around mental health care, it is important to provide support and access to resources. We need to know it’s normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed in challenging times, and resources are available.
Resiliency, reducing stigmatization and access to mental health services are necessary for mental well-being. Therapist and Wellness Compass creator Scott Jorner, PhD, notes that a key to destigmatizing mental illness is to normalize life’s ups downs. This allows us to talk about mental health challenges more freely, opening paths to seeking care.
It is helpful to self-assess, checking in with yourself on how things are going. Dr. Stoner suggests we learn to listen to the little whispers, practice checking in to see how we are doing and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow in our well-being.
Two resources to build better mental health and resiliency are the Wellness Compass and My Mental Health: Do I Need Help.
- Wellness Compass: This tool helps you assess the eight dimensions of wellness. For our purposes, pay special attention to your mental well-being by focusing on the mind and heart sections of the assessment.
- My Mental Health: Do I Need Help helps you assess mild and more significant symptoms while guiding you to the correct support.
The intersection of sports and society has brought much-needed attention to mental well-being, allowing older adult athletes an opportunity to overcome ingrained levels of stigmatization. Please embrace the opportunity to seek support if needed.
Disaster Resources for Older Adults
The National Senior Games Association recognizes our community members affected by recent historic hurricanes, and we stand in solidarity with you as you recover. Our partners at the National Council on Aging (NCOA) offer trusted resources explaining the programs available to people affected by a disaster and tips for addressing the unique needs of older adults during an emergency. Visit the NCOA Disaster Assistance webpage here.
