Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2007

Department of Aging Stresses Role Mental Health Has in Aging Actively
Agency Stresses Overall Health and Wellness During Older Americans Month

COLUMBUS - Far too many Americans fail to incorporate mental health into their health choices, yet overall health and wellness are not possible without it. While the Department of Aging is celebrating Older Americans Month, it reminds Ohioans that May is also Mental Health Month, and taking care of our mental state is necessary in order for Ohioans of any age to be their best in body, mind and spirit.

"Each day, older Ohioans face a variety of health challenges, such as how to eat right, get enough sleep and exercise as they should," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Unhealthy choices can make a person susceptible to a range of health problems. This really is no different whether you are talking about a person's physical or mental wellness."

Mental health is the ability to cope with daily life and the challenges it brings. Mental health is a continuum, with good mental health and wellness on one end, and severe, untreated mental illness on the other. When people have "good" mental health, they deal better with what comes their way. By contrast, "poor" mental health - feeling overwhelmed by stress or suffering with an untreated mental illness - can make even day-to-day life difficult.

"Mental and behavioral health issues, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse, affect people of all ages and at all stages of life," Riley added "They can have serious impacts on relationships, physical health and overall quality of life. The good news is that, in most cases, treatment works and people do get better, regardless of age. It is never too late."

Through the Older Ohioans Behavioral Health Network, the state's 12 Area Agencies on Aging have created partnerships with local mental and behavioral health boards. These partnerships make it easier for seniors and their families to access the care, services and supports they need for overall wellness. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

Ohio's Network of Care, a new Web site launched in March, also connects individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness to critical information, communication and advocacy tools. Currently, 77 counties participate in the site, which provides a comprehensive directory of service providers and helps visitors connect with the right services at the right time.

About Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is sponsored nationally by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Ohio Department of Aging supports the statewide observation in cooperation with Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and the entire aging network. More information...

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.