October Health – 2025 Report
65 Or Older Demographic in Kenya
For the population aged 65 or older in Kenya, the leading causes of stress are often associated with: 1. **Health Issues**: Chronic illnesses, limited access to healthcare services, and the financial burden of medical expenses. 2. **Financial Challenges**: Lack of stable income or insufficient retirement savings, as many rely on family support or limited pension systems. 3. **Isolation and Loneliness**: Reduced social interaction due to the loss of loved ones or decreased family contact. 4. **Dependence on Others**: Stress from feeling like a burden to family members for financial or physical care. 5. **Cultural Shifts**: As urbanization increases, traditional roles of elder care within families may decline, causing stress related to changes in family dynamics. Encouraging workplaces that employ older adults or support intergenerational caregiving to offer mental health resources, such as services like October, could be beneficial to address these stressors effectively.
How mental health affects the 65 Or Older demographic differently
Stresses Affecting the Age Group 65 or Older More Than Other Ages
1. **Health Concerns**:
- Increased vulnerability to chronic illnesses or deteriorating physical health.
- Anxiety about cognitive decline, such as memory loss or dementia.
2. **Financial Strain**:
- Concerns about outliving retirement savings or limited income post-retirement.
- Rising medical costs and uncertainty about financial security.
3. **Isolation and Loneliness**:
- Loss of social connections due to retirement or friends and family passing away.
- Reduced daily social interactions compared to working-age groups.
4. **Loss of Purpose**:
- Struggles with redefining identity and purpose after retirement.
- Feelings of redundancy or loss of societal contribution.
5. **Adjusting to Dependence**:
- Emotional and mental challenges associated with becoming more dependent on others for care or assistance with daily activities.
6. **Grief and Loss**:
- Coping with the loss of a spouse, close friends, or other loved ones.
- Mourning the past and changes in mobility, independence, or other life aspects.
7. **Technology Gap**:
- Stress from difficulty navigating and adapting to rapidly evolving technology.
- Feeling overwhelmed or left behind in a tech-driven world.
8. **Worry About Family**:
- Concerns about the well-being and future of children or grandchildren.
**Workplace Application:**
For individuals still working or engaging in part-time or advisory roles, consider offering flexible schedules, ongoing training, and fostering inclusivity. Organizations can provide resources like October’s digital group sessions to help manage stress and ensure mental well-being at this stage of life.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 65 Or Older demographic in South African?
Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.
Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.