Florida Seniors Face High Rates of Poor Mental Health -- A Looming Crisis as State Braces for Aging Population Boom
New Humana Foundation report finds almost one in eight older adults in Florida is diagnosed with depression, and hospitalizations due to mental disorders are on the rise
Florida ranks among the top three states in the nation for the largest senior population, with projections showing that one-third of its residents will be over 60 by 2050. However, a new research brief by the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. for the past 45 years, finds that a significant number of older Floridians are facing mental health challenges, many of which go unrecognized and unaddressed.
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Humana Foundation reports Florida seniors are facing higher rates of poor mental health.
The research brief, The State of Senior Emotional Health in Florida, shows that more than 12% of Florida seniors are diagnosed with depression, and hospitalizations due to mental disorders rose 16% from 2022 to 2024 for those 65 and older.
Additional Key Data:
The research also points to disparities in emotional well-being among Florida's demographic groups.
- While 1 in 12 seniors experiences frequent mental distress, the number rises to 1 in 10 among those living in the state's rural areas.
- Older women are diagnosed with depression at twice the rate of men (17.6% vs. 8.1%).
- White older men have the highest suicide rates in Florida.
- Hispanic seniors have higher depression rates than White seniors (18.5% vs. 12.7%).
- Older adults with mobility limitations have nearly three times the rate of depression as those without disabilities.
- As seniors' income decreases, the prevalence of mental illness increases.
"There are many factors contributing to the poor mental health of Florida's seniors, with social isolation and loneliness being key among them, and linked to both psychological and physical disorders," said Danielle Neveles-McGrath, the Humana Foundation's Chief Impact Officer and co-author of the research. "As Florida's population continues to age, it's imperative to prioritize the mental health of older adults, considering their numbers and their many contributions to the state."
Barriers to Mental Health Care
Florida faces a critical shortage of mental health providers, particularly those with geriatric expertise, presenting significant obstacles for seniors seeking care. Mobility and transportation limitations, stigma and the inaccurate assumption that depression is a normal part of aging also contribute to older Floridians not receiving the mental health care and support they need.
Call to Action
The report offers specific recommendations to improve support for Florida seniors' mental health. The following are some of those suggestions; more details can be found in the report.
1. Advance an Age‑Ready Florida by making older adults a priority in mental health planning, including engaging seniors and caregivers in community needs assessments and embedding screening for loneliness, depression, and anxiety in programs that serve older adults.
2. Strengthen access to age‑appropriate mental health care by expanding the geriatric‑trained mental health workforce, adopting evidence‑based approaches for Florida's diverse older populations, and increasing services in rural and underserved communities.
3. Invest in community supports that reduce stressors and strengthen stability by prioritizing caregiver support, emergency financial assistance, and mobility solutions that help older adults manage daily challenges and remain independent.
4. Scale technology and data solutions that expand access to care, build digital skills, and foster meaningful social connection, and improve the assessment and monitoring of older Floridians' mental health.
The Humana Foundation is investing in older adults' mental health in Florida through partnerships with organizations, including Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, OATS' Senior Planet program, the National Council on Aging, the Alliance for Aging, and Volunteers of America – supporting efforts from social engagement and digital inclusion to mental health training and depression and substance use screening.
About the Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable, and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org.
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Marvin Hill
Humana Corporate Communications
502-580-3950
mhill1@humana.com