Stressful Life Events: Association with Physical and Mental Health Conditions among Older Adults in Bhutan

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 2016–2017 Medicare data to compare the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in a national sample of autistic older adults (N = 4685) to a matched population comparison (N = 46,850) cohort. Autistic older adults had significantly greater odds of nearly all physical health conditions including epilepsy (odds ratio = 18.9; 95% confidence interval = 17.2–20.7), Parkinson’s disease (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval = 5.3–7.0), and gastrointestinal conditions (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 4.9–5.5). Most mental health conditions were more common among autistic older adults, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (odds ratio = 25.3; 95% confidence interval = 22.4–28.7), attention deficit disorders (odds ratio = 24.4; 95% confidence interval = 16.2–31.0), personality disorders (odds ratio = 24.1; 95% confidence interval = 17.8–32.5), and suicidality or self-inflicted injury (odds ratio = 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 8.9–13.8). Health conditions commonly associated with advanced age in the general population (e.g. osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis) were also significantly more common among autistic older adults. By highlighting the significant physical and mental health needs for which autistic older adults require care, our findings can inform healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives seeking to promote well-being in this growing population.

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Re: "Reconsidering the Role of Social Disadvantage in Physical and Mental Health: Stressful Life Events, Health Behaviors, Race, and Depression"

American Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/aje/kwr110 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 173 (11) ◽

pp. 1348-1349 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

L. M. Bates ◽

D. Barnes ◽

K. M. Keyes

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Life Events ◽

Stressful Life Events ◽

Social Disadvantage ◽

Stressful Life ◽

Physical And Mental Health

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The Prevalence of Chronic Physical and Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults Across South Australia and Their Independent Effects on General Practitioner Visits

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/07334648211049709 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482110497

Author(s):

Dennis Asante ◽

Craig S. McLachlan ◽

Vivian Isaac

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

General Practitioner ◽

South Australia ◽

Health Resources ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Health Seeking ◽

Mental Health Conditions

Rural older adults (≥60), compared to their urban counterparts, are identified as higher users of general practitioner (GP) services. However, whether this pattern of health seeking is influenced more so by physical or mental conditions is unclear. We explore the independent effect of chronic physical and mental health conditions on GP use in Australia. Datasets on population health was available from the South Australia’s Department of health in 2013–2017 ( n = 20,522). We examined prevalence of common physical and mental conditions and GP use by the Modified Monash Model of remoteness. Physical and mental health burden was similar across South Australia. General practitioner visits with suicidal ideation for rural and remote locations were 4.7 (95% CI, 1.6–13.6) and 4.8 (95% CI, 1.9–11.7), respectively, compared to urban Adelaide 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0–2.3). While there is equal burden of mental health across South Australia, access to mental health resources for nonurban Australians remains a significant challenge.

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Epidemiology of Suicide in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2130 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 625-625

Author(s):

Jane Pearson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Healthcare Access ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Limited Mobility ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Loss Of Spouse

Abstract This individual symposium abstract will focus on the epidemiology of suicide in older adults, with particular focus on risk factors, changing demographics, and population shifts with the baby-boomers aging. Epidemiologically, older men aged 75 and older have a suicide rate of 39.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2017, compared to the general population of 14.0 deaths per 100,000. Risk factors for suicide in older adults include functional disability, multiple chronic physical conditions, and social isolation. In addition, older adults often face stressors such as relationship issues, life crises (loss of spouse), and social factors (employment and financial challenges, housing stress, and legal issues). Limited mobility, physical and mental health conditions, and lack of social support can affect healthcare access and utilization. Many older adults do not routinely seek behavioral health treatment, with reported under-detection of mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation.

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