Experts Emphasize Need for Coordinated Services in Mental Health Aging Americans

Social Workers and OWL partner in briefing – Older Americans and Mental Health

WASHINGTON — Highlighted by the reintroduction of the Positive Aging Act by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D – NY), a briefing for congressional staff and members of the public emphasizes the need for coordination of mental health resources for aging Americans. The Positive Aging Act will promote healthy aging and the improved integration of mental health and primary care for older Americans. The legislation is also sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R – ME) and Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D – RI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R – FL)

The event, sponsored by the Older Women’s League and supported by the National Association of Social Workers, will be held from Noon – 1:30 p.m. on May 25 in 236 Russell Senate Office Building .

Along with other speakers, Lisa Yagoda, senior policy associate for aging at NASW, will address outreach to aging adults, specifically noting the increasing demands of the aging baby boom population. “We have to ensure that a trained and qualified workforce is available to meet the anticipated needs of our nation’s older population,” she says.

According to preliminary research from the NASW’s Center for Workforce Studies, the supply of professional social workers may not be sufficient to meet the needs of an aging population. This study also suggests that the social work labor force is aging, as well, leading to a decrease of nearly 13% over the next two years.

Yagoda notes that mental illness is not a normal part of aging. With many disorders going unnoticed or untreated, older adults are faced with negative personal, social and economic impacts, leading to diminished quality of life, poor physical health, increased dependence and even suicide. Compared to all other age groups, older adults have the highest rate of suicide.

A relief for these problems can be found in community-based programs that increase access to mental health care by providing outreach and case management. Social workers can provide and coordinate resources for the elderly, as well as link older adults with health care programs.

Other featured speakers include a welcome from Laurie Young, Ph.D., executive director of the Older Women’s League (OWL) and Gregory Hinrichsen, Ph.D. from the American Psychological Association, who will give attendees a general overview of mental health and aging issues.

For more information regarding social workers serving older Americans, please visit http://www.socialworkers.org/sections/aging/default.asp.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.