09/20/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In 2021 and 2022, County Parks and Recreation staff conducted listening sessions in different areas to secure input from older adults about needed wellness programs. These will continue in 2023, and the programs developed are at no cost due to funding from a Florida Blue Foundation grant. Another organization, the Senior Resource Association began Lifeway, a no -cost program for older adults to use weights and regular stretching/exercise to stay active. In addition to the need for free or low-cost exercise programs, "access to mental health programs" and "mental illness prevention and intervention quality", "affordable services and resources" were mentioned. Mental health is essential to personal well-being, family and interpersonal relationships and the ability to contribute to the community. Mental health disorders are among the most common causes of disabilities in the nation. Poor mental health or the presence of mental illness often result in detrimental physical health and financial outcomes. Failure to access care is a significant issue among those suffering from mental health conditions. Stigma, lack of education and awareness, and missed opportunities for screenings and interventions are among the barriers for receiving appropriate care. In Indian River County from 2017-2019, there has been an increasing trend in inpatient discharges related to episodic mood disorders with a significant amount of inpatient discharges in the 10-14 and 15-19 age groups. Additionally, in 2019, there were twenty-nine deaths by suicide in Indian River County, an age-adjusted rate of 16.5 per 100,000 residents, which was slightly higher than the state's and higher than the Healthy People 2030 target of 12.8 per 100,000. The highest rates are among the 45-64 age group and have been increasing since 2009. Due to the significant and impactful consequences and the challenges and barriers experienced accessing care, the advisory committee of the CHIP deemed mental health a priority. Stigma, lack of education and awareness, and missed opportunities for screenings and interventions are among the barriers to receiving care. Mental health/health issues were also a focus of the Community Health Domain Team of Livable Indian River, which caused them to expand upon the CHIP with two concerns for elders: 1) isolation/loneliness (seen in Objective 1A.4.) and 2) need for supportive services (Goal 1.C.). Loneliness reduces longevity by 8 years and has one of the biggest negative effects on a person's quality of life. "Social isolation among older adults is associated with $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually. (Dr. Charlotte Yeh, 2021 Foundation for Social Connection Action Forum presentation)" Loneliness and isolation were concerns for elders before Covid, but the closures due to the pandemic increased the problem. Covid also brought loneliness and isolation more into the public eye as people of all ages experienced losses of usual social connection. Loneliness was underscored in both the 2019 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and the Livable Survey. Of the Livable IR Survey respondents, 22% interacted with Livable Indian River Action Plan 10 31