Digital mental health tools put support at older adults’ fingertips
Everyone has times when they feel stressed, overwhelmed or just not themselves. For older adults, those feelings may come with life changes, health concerns or daily stress. When that happens, you don’t have to handle it alone.
You might choose to talk with a provider. Or you may want to start with simple ways to help manage stress at home. Digital behavioral and mental health tools may be a good place to begin.
These tools are apps, websites or online programs you can use on your phone, tablet or computer, right from home. They may help support your emotional well-being in everyday life.
How digital mental health tools may help
Digital tools don’t replace your provider. Still, they may help you check in with yourself between visits or take a first step toward getting more support. This is especially true if you’re managing a chronic condition, chronic pain or other health concern. These tools:
- Are available anytime – they offer help in the moment, such as guided breathing, relaxation or sleep support when you feel stressed
- Build healthy habits – learn simple ways to help manage stress, shift negative thinking or practice mindfulness
- Track how you’re feeling – log your mood, sleep or stress levels to notice patterns over time
- Connect you to support – help you access virtual visits or text messaging with a mental health professional
- Let you learn at your own pace – explore mental health support from home, which may feel easier for some older adults than starting with an in-person visit
Mental health tools you can try today
Here are a few simple tools you can try to boost your mood, ease stress and improve sleep as part of healthy aging:
- Meditation tools – may help calm your mind, focus your breathing and inspire relaxation
- Try guided meditations, breathing exercises
- Mindfulness tools – may help you stay present and aware of how you’re feeling without judgment and help you manage stress or overwhelming thoughts
- Try mood tracking, journaling, short “check-in” prompts
- Sleep and relaxation tools – may help you wind down, fall asleep more easily and improve your rest for a better overall mental well-being
- Try sleep sounds, bedtime stories, relaxation exercises
Featured tool: Calm Health
Calm Health’s approachable mental health tools are available whenever you’re ready to explore them. They can make a meaningful difference not only in the way you feel, but also how you move through your day. Calm Health offers support for mental health conditions, help with falling asleep and managing stress, and guidance to help you adopt new habits and find greater well-being. Each tool is designed for you to move through at your own pace.1
Ready to start?
There are many options to choose from, so it’s okay to start small. No need to try to do everything at once. Try one tool and see how it fits into your day.
Your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan may include digital tools like Calm Health, along with other resources to support your well-being. Visit your member site to explore what’s available to you.
Your primary care provider is always there for support
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to talk with your primary care provider. To find a provider, including a mental health professional, sign in to your member site and look for Find Care.
Crisis and emergency care hotlines
You’re not alone. Help is available.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re in immediate danger
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential 24/7 support
- Call the Substance Use Helpline at 1-855-780-5955, TTY 711 for free, confidential 24/7 support
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