Healthy aging month: New training helps people reach out to those with mental health struggles

Minnesota Now

September is Healthy Aging Month. Aging happens to all of us. But it sometimes requires extra considerations to keep us healthy and thriving, both physically and mentally.

About one in five adults over age 55 experience a mental health condition or concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But their needs are sometimes overlooked. And it’s hard to know how to reach out to someone who might be struggling.

The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a new type of training throughout the state teaching people exactly how to reach out.

Sam Roth is an educator with the University of Minnesota-Extension leading its Healthy Aging programming. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the training.