PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Older Adults and PTSD

“The PTSD will hit you hardest when you retire or you're not occupied all the time.”

Louis Bickford

U.S. Navy
1967-1978

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people of all ages, including older adults. Most often, “older” refers to people ages 65 or more. As we age, we experience life differently and this can impact how PTSD symptoms affect us. Some older adults with PTSD have long-lasting (or chronic) symptoms that increase or decrease over time. For others, even when PTSD has been treated and managed earlier in life, symptoms return. Changes to lifestyle and activities are common for older adults, like retirement or health problems. For those with PTSD, this can lead to increased symptoms. It is also possible to develop PTSD for the first time as an older adult, due to a late-life traumatic experience.

How common is PTSD in older adults?

PTSD may be a bit less common in older adults compared to younger adults. A national study found that only 3 out of every 100 (or 3%) of adults aged 65 or older will have PTSD at some point in their lifetime. For adults under age 65 in the U.S., 7 out of every 100 (or 7%) report having PTSD. Older Veterans are also less likely to have PTSD than younger Veterans.

Why might PTSD be less common in older adults?

Although we don’t know for sure why PTSD is less common in older adults, here are some possible reasons:

• Resilience: It is possible that older adults have built more or better ways of coping. Research also suggests that older adults may focus more on their present life and the time left in their lives, rather than on past trauma.
• Previous treatment: Older adults who had PTSD at an earlier point in their life may have gone through treatment. When treatment is successful, it does not always mean someone is free of symptoms. But if symptoms do continue or come back later, treatment teaches coping skills to help manage.
• Risk factors: PTSD is related to a number of negative health problems. It is possible that people who had PTSD earlier in life died before reaching older adulthood.
• Period effect: The “period” or time in history that we are living can impact how many people have PTSD. For example, PTSD was not an official diagnosis until 1980, so it is possible that older adults may have not been diagnosed earlier in their lives.
• Cohort effect: The “cohort” or generation that we are part of goes through life—including big events and cultural changes—together . So, as a group, older adults may share cultural norms that impact diagnosis. For example, research suggests that older adults:
  • May be more likely to express mental health concerns as physical (or somatic) symptoms
  • May be less likely to talk about mental health concerns due to stigma or stoicism
• Lower use of mental health care: Older adults are less likely to be referred for mental health treatment. Whether this is due to a focus on other health problems or not linking current systems to a past trauma, it is possible older adults are not evaluated for PTSD.

What factors might affect how older adults experience PTSD?

Older adults can experience PTSD differently than those who are younger. This can be true even if someone has PTSD from an earlier point in life. The way symptoms affect them can be different as they age. Older adults may notice PTSD symptoms more. Here are some examples:

• Change in activities: In older ages, we are likely to retire and be involved in fewer activities. This can leave older adults with more time on their hands, which can make PTSD symptoms more obvious.
• Medical problems: PTSD often occurs with other health problems and health challenges are more common as we age. This can leave older adults with less strength, more pain, or limited mobility.
• Smaller social networks: Older adults are more likely to lose support as a spouse, partner, family, and friends die. This can cause feelings of sadness and loneliness. Older adults may spend less time with others.
• Finding meaning: Older adults may look back to reflect and unwanted memories can return. With more quiet time, and changes to daily life, PTSD symptoms can take up more focus and impact what is meaningful in late life.

What PTSD treatment options are available for older adults?

PTSD treatment works for people of all ages. It’s never too late to heal. Evidence-based treatments, including talk therapy (or psychotherapy) and medications work for older adults.

At the same time, it is valuable to talk to your mental health care provider about what treatment plan is best for you. Some things to consider:

• Do you have other physical or mental health problems to consider?
• As we age, our bodies handle medications differently. Your mental health care provider will help you adjust to any medication you take for PTSD. Together you can discuss side effects and the impact of other medications you may already be taking.
• Are you able to travel to appointments or would you be able to do treatment via telemedicine (using video)?

What can older adults do for self-care?

Taking care of yourself when you have symptoms of PTSD is important at any age. Although older adults may have different options, the same things that are important earlier in life matter as we age. Healthy aging includes social support and staying connected. Volunteer or group activities are helpful. Learn more about self-help and coping resources for anyone who has PTSD.

Educational Booklet

Understanding PTSD and Aging

This booklet talks about the challenges faced in later life as a result of PTSD and treatment options. English | en Español (PDF)



Summary

As we age and become older adults, many things about our life and health can change. If you have PTSD as an older adult, the best treatments can work for you too. Evidence-based treatments work whether you have PTSD from an earlier point in your life or develop it from a late-life traumatic event. It’s never too late to get help.

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