6. mental Health
Good mental and emotional health, encompassing a positive outlook, fulfilling relationships with other people and healthful mental activities are all critical to healthy aging.
When asked to rate overall mental health, a majority of respondents reported being in good mental health with percentages unchanged from 2004 to 2008.
Table 6.1 Self-Reported Mental Health Status
| "In general, would you say your overall mental health is…." |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Excellent |
40% |
40% |
| Very good |
34% |
33% |
| Good |
16% |
17% |
| Fair |
7% |
8% |
| Poor |
2% |
1% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
While 90 percent of respondents reported their overall mental health as "good,” "very good,” or "excellent” in both 2004 and 2008, many also reported having been advised by their doctor that they have some symptoms of a mental health condition—most frequently depression or an anxiety or panic disorder.
Table 6.2 Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions
| "Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have…" |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Depression [10] |
18% |
23% |
| Anxiety disorder or panic disorder [11] |
8% |
13% |
| Alzheimer's or other dementia |
NA |
2% |
| Other mental health diagnosis not mentioned |
2% |
1% |
Survey data indicate that a small proportion of older Texans were unable to perform their daily activities for a period of two weeks or more due to feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally unable to function.
Table 6.3 Impairment Due to Mental or Emotional Issues
| "In the past 12 months have you been…" |
Frequently |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
Never |
Total |
| Survey year 2004: Unable to perform [their] normal daily duties for a period of two weeks or more |
3% |
5% |
4% |
88% |
100% |
| Survey year 2008: Unable to perform [their] normal daily duties for a period of two weeks or more |
4% |
7% |
5% |
84% |
100% |
Footnotes
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 were more likely to report that they were told by a doctor that they had depression compared to those who responded in 2004.
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 were more likely to report that they were notified by a doctor that they had an anxiety
disorder compared to those who responded in 2004.
top of page
Updated:
April 11, 2012
