CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — A new survey conducted by New Ocean Health Solutions reveals that 79% of Americans aged 55 and older report their mental health as excellent or good, with 28% indicating it is excellent and 51% describing it as good. Despite the natural challenges of aging, only 17% noted a slight mental health decline over the past five years, while a small 3% reported a significant decline.
Key contributing factors to this positive outlook include strong community ties, faith-based engagement, regular exercise, and meaningful life experiences. This optimism comes in stark contrast to the historic spike in anxiety and depression noted in 2020.
“Despite the stress and doom that have dominated healthcare headlines for the past five years, the optimism Americans 55+ have about their health is encouraging,” said Hal Rosenbluth, CEO of New Ocean Health Solutions. “As we settle into 2025, corporate America and enterprising startup leaders have an obligation to bring healthcare solutions that expand upon the access all patients need to thrive over the long-term.”
Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Services
While many respondents have utilized mental health services, the survey finds significant gaps in awareness and accessibility. Among those surveyed:
- 61% of respondents said they had used mental health services through their insurance.
- 50% relied on Medicare coverage, while 25% were covered through an employer—both groups reported high satisfaction with the services.
However, 41% of Medicare recipients and 27% of those with employer-sponsored plans were unaware of or had not accessed these services, accounting for 27% of all participants.
Furthermore, digital solutions for managing chronic or long-term mental health conditions remain underutilized, with 76% of respondents not using such tools. Despite this, 36% of those surveyed said they would consider digital tools if they were accessible.
“When patients have deep community ties, and importantly, access to healthcare that works, their mental and physical health remains consistently strong,” explained Michael Musci, Chief Medical Officer at New Ocean Health Solutions. “However, if older Americans cannot access the mental health and community support they need as they age, we can expect their overall health outcomes to decline.”
Substance Use Raises Concerns
The survey also highlights concerns about substance use among older adults. Key findings include:
- 50% of respondents reported being diagnosed with at least one long-term mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder.
- 32% admitted to altering their use of pain medication against prescribed instructions, while 23% used pain medication for purposes other than pain relief.
- Recreational substance use was reported by 29% of respondents on a weekly basis, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance (35%), followed by tobacco/nicotine (14%) and marijuana (13%).
The survey underscores the need for targeted interventions and innovations to address these challenges as this demographic continues to age. Through expanding access to mental health support and addressing substance use issues, stakeholders can ensure a healthier future for aging adults.
The online survey, conducted on January 7, 2025, by Harris QuestDIY on behalf of New Ocean Health Solutions, included responses from 1,000 U.S. adults aged 55 and older, with an equal gender and age split.
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