Psychological problems of aging.

The increasing number of older persons in the United States is having far-reaching economic, social, political and psychological effects. Patients over 60 make up more than a fourth of current admissions to California's state mental hospitals. Biological, personal, cultural and economic problems are present in each elderly person and must be considered in the treatment of such individuals. Neurotic reactions are much more frequent that the psychoses, and these may be treated by the same therapeutic tools utilized with younger persons. Not all the psychoses in the aged group are such as to necessitate mental hospital care. Many of the patients could be cared for in suitable nursing homes. An adequate mental hygiene program, maintenance of physical health, opportunities for work, and the development of hobby and recreation centers may help ward off many of the difficult problems that the aged now present.