Mental Health and Aging

THE MENTAL HEALTH AND AGING COALITION

OF

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Our nation is confronted with changes in age, demographics with significant increases in the number of individuals who live longer, healthier lives.  Within Kentucky, we have over 495,000 residents’ aged 65 or older that accounts for 12.5 percent of our state population.  Experts believe that this number will double within the next ten years and possibly triple by 2030.  Although older adults function well in all aspects of their lives, an estimated 75,000 older adults in Kentucky are in need of mental health services.

Mental Health and Aging Issues May Include: Depression, Alcohol/Drug Abuse, Suicide, Stress, Alzheimer’s Disease, Medication Misuse, Loneliness and Anxiety. 

The goal(s) of the coalition is raise public awareness to educate consumers, caregivers, professionals, volunteers and the general public regarding the mental health issues of older adults, Assess aging and mental health needs and services for older adults and make recommendations, in an effort to influence public policy and maximize existing resources and Seek funds and donations to support coalition goals. 

The coalition began meeting in Fall 2000 and continues to be a strong and active advocate for mental health issues regarding older adults in Northern Kentucky. 

To find out more about current coalition efforts and meeting dates, please contact Kelly Bond at 859-283-1885.

To find out more about mental health issues faced by older adults, visit our website page on the www.feelgood.orgwebsite and click on to the “As We Age Page” link.