Attitudes and Beliefs on Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) have a high prevalence of comorbid chronic health conditions associated with accelerated disability and a reduced life expectancy (1, 2). A limited research literature suggests that the majority of older adults with schizophrenia fail to meet physical health criteria for “successful aging” (3), and the process of aging is generally associated with deteriorating health, less mobility, and decreased energy for the majority of individuals, all of which adversely impact independence, employment, and social networks (4).
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research