Title: A resolution designating May 16, 2022, as "Older Americans Mental Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness of the mental health needs of older adults.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution designates May 16, 2022, as Older Americans Mental Health Awareness Day.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 657 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 657

Designating May 16, 2022, as ``Older Americans Mental Health Awareness 
  Day'' to raise awareness of the mental health needs of older adults.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 26, 2022

 Mr. Casey (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Blumenthal, 
    Ms. Collins, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Braun) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Designating May 16, 2022, as ``Older Americans Mental Health Awareness 
  Day'' to raise awareness of the mental health needs of older adults.

Whereas May 2022 is both ``Older Americans Month'' and ``Mental Health Awareness 
        Month'';
Whereas the population of individuals age 56 or older increased from 39,600,000 
        in 2009 to 54,100,000 in 2019 and is projected to reach 94,700,000 in 
        2060;
Whereas 20 percent of older adults suffer from a mental health condition, such 
        as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or serious mental illness;
Whereas older adults had a higher risk of suicide compared to other age groups 
        in 2020. In fact, during that year--

    (1) individuals age 85 or older had the highest rate of suicide among 
all age groups; and

    (2) individuals age 75 to 84 had the second highest rate of suicide 
among all age groups.

Whereas, according to the American Psychological Association, older adults 
        underutilize mental health services because of service constraints, 
        limited awareness, or a stigma surrounding mental health;
Whereas the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted the 
        behavioral health of older adults;
Whereas aging could possibly lead to social and physical changes that may 
        increase vulnerability to substance use disorders;
Whereas poor mental health and substance use disorders reduce life expectancy 
        among older adults and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes and 
        conditions, such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes;
Whereas mental health disorders for older adults, especially depression and 
        anxiety, are major contributors to and exacerbate social isolation;
Whereas mental health diagnoses drive spending in the Medicare and Medicaid 
        programs for an already high-cost population;
Whereas spending for individuals with a mental health disorder is more than 
        twice that for individuals who are eligible for both such programs 
        without such a diagnosis;
Whereas more than one-tenth of individuals age 65 or older binge drink, which is 
        defined as drinking 5 or more drinks on the same occasion for men or 4 
        or more drinks on the same occasion for women; and
Whereas by 2030, the United States will need 5,790 more geropsychologists to 
        meet the needs of older adults in the United States, highlighting the 
        need for outreach to increase availability of trained specialists: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates May 16, 2022, as ``Older Americans Mental 
        Health Awareness Day'';
            (2) recognizes the unmet mental health and substance use 
        disorder needs of older adults;
            (3) recognizes the need for a robust mental health and 
        substance use disorder workforce trained in the unique needs of 
        older adults to screen, assess, and intervene as appropriate; 
        and
            (4) recognizes the need to advance bipartisan solutions to 
        address the mental health needs and substance use disorder 
        needs of older adults.
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