40 Mental Health Resources for Seniors
May 10, 2021
Email US
Click to Email Us
For More Information on The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch, CLICK HERE!
As we age, mental health becomes increasingly important, especially since older adults may find themselves alone or in new living arrangements. Increased isolation brought on by COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders have further impacted conditions that may affect elderly mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 20% of adults over 60 have some type of mental or neurological disorder.Find out 7 ways senior communities promote health & wellness.
There are dozens of resources for seniors available through online or mobile app portals. Here are some select resources and mental health programs for older adults.
General Mental and Behavioral Health Resources
Administration on Aging The Administration on Aging is an agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Its webpage offers links to resources, programs and agencies covering a range of topics on substance abuse and mental health in the elderly.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator This service from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help you find a nearby treatment facility for mental health aging issues.
Health in Aging This service from the American Geriatrics Society provides information for older adults and family members about mental health concerns.
Mental Health.gov This site from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides one-stop access to information on mental health and mental health problems.
National Council on Aging This organization offers a range of services and links to services for senior adults, along with apage of helpful resources.
National Mental Health Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse This directory provides comprehensive information on national and local programs providing mental health services for older adults.
Older Adults and Mental Health Learn about senior mental health and depression in older adults with this resource from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Alzheimers Disease, Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Alzheimers Disease and Related Symptoms This resource from the National Institute on Aging offers articles and advice for dealing with cognitive impairment and Alzheimers.
Alzheimers.gov A government-run resource with links to authoritative, current information from agencies and organizations with expertise in Alzheimers disease and dementia.
Cognitive Aging Efforts From the American Psychological Association, this site offers up-to-date publications, webinars and activities related to APA cognitive aging efforts.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and Older Adults: Overcoming Fear and Worry This article from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation discusses anxiety and its treatment.
Anxiety in Older Adults This article from Mental Health America discusses various anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and their treatments.
Coping with Stress and Anxiety Learn more about how stress affects your health and what to do about it, from the American Psychological Association.
Community and Engagement
engAGED This site, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, offers information and resources to remain engaged with other older adults.
Senior Community Service Employment Program This community service and work-based job training program for older Americans offers work experience in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers.
Senior Corps This organization connects adults 55 and older with volunteer opportunities near them.
Learn more about the mental health benefits of socializing for seniors.
Download The Complete Guide to Health & Wellness for Seniors
As people grow older, their health and wellness needs change. Read our eBook, The Complete Guide to Health & Wellness for Seniors for everything you need to know about staying healthy and happy as we age.
Download the Guide
Counseling Contacts
Crisis Text Line Send a text from your phone to connect instantly with a crisis counselor. Text HOME to 741741.
Disaster Distress Helpline Access a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration counselor ready to talk to people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Connect with a confidential 24-hour suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Treatment Referral Routing Service This helpline offers treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Veterans Crisis Line This service lets veterans in crisis and their families connect confidentially with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders. Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 orvisit the websitefor online chat.
Elder Abuse
National Adult Protective Services Association This organization provides easy access to information on reporting suspected elder abuse nationwide.
National Center on Elder Abuse This agency offers a resources site that gathers reports, webinars, podcasts and databases on elder abuse.
Government Agencies and Services
Eldercare Locator This service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connects older Americans to services and resources.
Preventive Services This Medicare site shows the many preventive and screening services offered to the aged to keep them healthy and find problems early.
Meditation
How To Meditate In Twelve Minutes This YouTube video is a beginners guided meditation using mindfulness meditation techniques.
Meditation for Older Adults This article from The Hartford covers basic meditation instructions and techniques.
The Honest Guys This YouTube channel offers guided meditation and sleep meditation experiences.
The Omega Institute This organizations YouTube channel features a variety of meditation videos, each under five minutes.
YellowBrickCinema This YouTube site offers long meditation music videos, some up to eight hours long.
Mobile Apps
Calm This app addresses issues like anxiety, focus, depression and self-care.AppleandAndroid.
Doctor on Demand This site and app provides a face-to-face digital connection to a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist, along with other services.AppleandAndroid.
FearTools Anxiety Aid This app incorporates tracking and exposure therapy, including breathing exercises and journaling, to slowly overcome fears.AppleandAndroid.
Happify Play engaging games, engage in suggested activities and read gratitude prompts to boost your mood.AppleandAndroid.
Headspace This app offers guided meditation sessions for more calm and better sleep.AppleandAndroid.
MoodKit This app uses cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help users manage mood.Apple.
Sanvello This app provides mood tracking, guided meditation and custom courses.AppleandAndroid.
Talkspace Online Therapy This site and app connects you with a trained therapist as needed, with different price plans available.AppleandAndroid.
Teladoc This app connects patients to a board-certified doctor. Rates are dependent on the users health insurance.AppleandAndroid.
Whats Up This app usesAcceptance Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help with anxiety, depression, stress and more.AppleandAndroid.
Previous PostNext Post
Other Articles You May Like
A Special Visit: Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Joins Florida Chapter Conference
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
Help Fight Summer Hunger in Manatee County
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Luncheon Honors Our Outstanding Volunteers
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.