What’s the difference between mental health and behavioral health?
People sometimes use the terms mental health and behavioral health to mean the same thing, but they’re a little different. Mental health focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, emotions and how you relate to others may impact your overall health.2 Behavioral health is a broader term that includes mental health.3 Behavioral health is how outside factors, such as your support system and your actions, may affect how you feel. In addition to behavioral health resources, eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may also have access to resources to help support mental health.
What factors may impact behavioral health as you age?
Taking care of your behavioral health is important for helping stay healthy and well.4 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may be eligible for resources to help support behavioral health.
Emotional factors that may affect behavioral health
Certain life experiences can impact your behavioral health and overall well-being.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one, it’s normal to feel stressed or burdened by responsibility. Caregivers may neglect their own health while providing support for others. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may be eligible for a variety of caregiver resources. These are designed to help balance the demands of caregiving while taking time for yourself.
As you age, you may have life changes that affect your behavioral health.5 These changes may include retiring, losing a loved one or managing a serious illness. Adjusting to these changes may be difficult. If you’re feeling sad or blue, you may benefit from talking to your primary care provider or mental health professional. With virtual visits, you can connect with a health care provider by phone or video in the comfort of your home. Behavioral telehealth services may be covered by your health plan just like an office visit with a provider.
You may find that you no longer enjoy the hobbies or daily activities that were once fun. If you start to lose interest in the things that used to give you joy, a behavioral health program may help. As a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member, you may be eligible for Calm Health. This app offers personalized plans to provide support for a range of health conditions, life experiences and mental health challenges. Answer a few simple questions about how you’re feeling to get recommendations that will be the most helpful for you.
Older adults are more likely to experience social isolation for a variety of reasons. Social isolation is when a person has little to no social support due to limited contact or relationships with others. Retirement, losing a loved one, having chronic conditions or experiencing mobility issues may cause a person to become socially isolated. Being alone may make you feel lonely and want more social connection.6
While older adults are less likely to use illicit drugs, there’s a rising trend in alcohol abuse and misuse of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.7, 8 This misuse can involve taking prescription drugs, such as painkillers, in ways not prescribed by a doctor.9
Older adults may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for significant life changes, including the loss of a loved one or retirement. The aging process affects how the body absorbs alcohol and drugs, potentially leading to a stronger impact.7
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a diagnosable condition characterized by several key factors:10
- Loss of control over substance use
- Significant impairment in daily life
- Relationship problems
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Developing a higher tolerance or greater need for the substance
It’s also common for individuals with SUD to have a co-occurring mental health condition.9
Physical factors that may affect behavioral health
Having a physical challenge or limitation may contribute to the need for behavioral health support.
Living with a chronic condition or pain may affect your behavioral health. For example, having a chronic condition may increase the chance of having a mental health condition, such as depression.11 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may be eligible for clinical and disease management programs for conditions including:
- Diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
These programs are designed to help you find healthier ways to deal with and overcome challenges. They may also help you take charge of your condition and feel better.
The daily recommendation for sleep changes as you age. For adults ages 65 and older, the recommendation is 7–8 hours.12 Not getting enough sleep may lead to behavioral health problems, such as feeling frustrated or uncomfortable in social situations.13 If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, learn about best practices for sleep health.
Over time, hearing may decline for multiple reasons, including repetitive exposure to loud sounds and genetic factors. If you can’t hear well, you may not engage in conversations as much and may avoid being around people. This may lead to social isolation.14 If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to seek treatment. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may be eligible for hearing benefits, including a routine hearing exam.
As you age, you may have challenges with your physical mobility due to chronic conditions or low vision. These mobility challenges may impact your ability to drive or leave the home as often as you'd like. Not having a way to get to medical appointments, the grocery store or anywhere else you want to go may add to feelings of loneliness. As a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member, you may be eligible for routine transportation at no cost.15 These services may take you to medical appointments, pharmacies and gyms or grocery stores, depending on your plan.16
Resources and benefits to support behavioral health
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members have access to resources and benefits to support the emotional and physical factors that contribute to behavioral health.
Connect to resources, tools and programs to help support your mental well-being with the Calm Health app
Your local behavioral health care providers may offer virtual visits
Support to help you learn how to balance the demands of your role as a caregiver while taking time for yourself
Address hearing loss with access to exams, hearing aids and expert support
These services may take you to health care appointments, pharmacies and more
Connect you with trained professionals to help you find healthy ways to cope and overcome challenges you may face
How to help improve behavioral health
Get physical
Being active may help you with your behavioral health. Just a few minutes of exercise throughout the day can add up. Even 30 minutes of walking per day may help improve your mood and overall health.17 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members may be eligible for the Renew Active® fitness program that offers many ways to help support body and mind — at no cost.
Stay connected
If you’re feeling lonely, call a friend or family member. With technology, staying connected is easier than ever before. For example, if friends or family live far away, you can still see each other using video chat. Sending a text message is another way to reach out to a long-distance loved one. Giving or getting emotional support from someone you care about may help make a bad day better.
Volunteer
Community organizations, such as libraries, museums or animal shelters are often in need of volunteers. Supporting your local community may help give you purpose and provide opportunities to socialize.
Work on a hobby
Have you always wanted to try dancing, or thought about joining a book club? Maybe you want to create a windowsill herb garden or learn a new language. Check out your local library or community center to find opportunities to try a new activity. If there’s an old hobby you haven’t worked on in a while, maybe it’s time to pick it up again. Finishing up an old project or restarting a hobby you used to enjoy are great ways to spend time.
Get out in nature
Research shows there are many behavioral health benefits to spending time outdoors. Studies suggest contact with nature may protect mental health and cognitive function. Exposure to nature may also lead to higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of cardiovascular disease.18