Managing your mental health As we grow older, we will experience some ‘BIG’ challenges such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, caring for a loved one, financial and housing issues, illness, or physical limitations. We may find some of these difficult to deal with and feel like we have failed. However, as we get older the BIG challenges are likely to come close together or all at once and maybe at times when we are already vulnerable. It is important to remember while we may be older, we are still human, and these challenges can impact our mental health and in turn our physical wellbeing. We do not need to feel embarrassed or ashamed if we are not coping. If you are having prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, talk to your doctor or health care worker about seeing a mental health specialist. There is a saying, that getting older is not for the faint hearted. So…how do we prepare for the challenges ahead? Maintaining good mental health as an older adult is important. This is not just about addressing problems, it’s about thriving and continuing to build resilience. We need to grow to ensure that our later years are as vibrant as possible and that we are in the best possible place we can be to deal successfully with the challenges or to know when we need help. Tips to protect and improve mental health • Seek treatment or help if you need to. • Engage in healthy activities doing things you enjoy. • Maintain healthy lifestyle habits. • Visit your GP to ensure that your physical health is ok. • Take your medications on time each day. • Stay socially connected. • Reduce access to negative news and events. • More time in nature. • Practice daily gratitude and enjoy the simple things in life. Free, Confidential Help services include Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 and Lifeline 13 11 14. COTA SA is an older people’s movement and the peak body representing the rights, interests and futures of around 700,000 South Australians aged 50 years and over, who together make up more than a third of our population. COTA SA reflects the diversity of modern ageing and connects with thousands of older people each year throughout SA. COTA SA has engaged with older people to advocate and develop policies that ensure the voices of older people are influential. COTA SA also offers services, programs and information that connects older South Australians each year. This work is led by the COTA SA Policy Council, made up of older South Australians with diverse backgrounds, knowledge and experiences. Policy council members provide experiences and advice on issues of ageing to advance the rights, needs and interests of older people. COTA SA has prepared a submission for the State Budget 2025/26 identifying four main areas of concern that have been identified through discussions and engagement with older people in SA. 1. Cost of living – Free ambulances for older South Australians to access emergency care. 2. Health and wellbeing – funding preventative health to keep older South Australians out of hospital. 3. Transport/older South Australians living in regional SA – fairer transport concessions for older South Australians accessing medical help. 4. Cost of Living/ Health and wellbeing – Advice and support for older South Australian, including women, to empower them to make key decisions and to support them to age well. COTA SA want to hear from older people. You can take a survey and help COTA SA keep their finger on the pulse by sharing your experiences and ideas about ageing well in SA. The 5-minute survey is anonymous can be done online, on the phone or you can request a paper survey that you can be posted back. Phone COTA SA on 08 8232 0422 or email cotasa@cotasa.org.au or visit their website www.cotasa.org.au. Membership with COTA SA is FREE to all older South Australians. Members will receive the regular COTA SA newsletter and have the opportunity to be part of an older people’s movement that advances the rights and interests of older people in SA. You can be a voice for older people in rural regions. COTA SA wants to hear from you! CONVERSATIONS 4
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