Mental health concerns among seniors on Medicare

Access to appropriate seniors’ mental health treatment is critical for the health and well-being of older adults. In 2021, we polled seniors about their mental health concerns, barriers to receiving treatment, and their access to care.

We polled seniors again this year, asking questions about their experiences with mental health, loneliness, and social isolation. Both polls examined how the general results compared to seniors with a chronic condition or a mental health diagnosis.

The results showed that seniors reported feeling lonely or isolated at a consistent rate with 2021, but they have increased concerns over the cost of care.

Key findings included:

• 40 percent of seniors with a chronic condition say they are concerned about maintaining mental health.
• 47 percent of seniors diagnosed with a mental health condition said they experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• More seniors in 2022 than 2021 said the cost of seeing a health care provider and the cost of prescription medications are obstacles to seeking help or treatment for a mental health condition.