Preliminary research suggests that seniors with ADHD experience unique and evolving symptoms that are commonly mistaken for — and overlap with — normal signs of aging.
Misdiagnosis and mismanaged treatment after age 60 are serious problems, says Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. In this video, learn the most commonly shared ADHD difficulties that older adults with the condition face.
Growing Old with ADHD: 5 Common Challenges After 60
ADHD doesn’t diminish with age.
In fact, symptoms of ADHD may flare after midlife. They can be amplified by (or mistaken for):
- Normal cognitive decline
- Worsening physical health
- Lack of structure after retirement
Worse yet, most research ignores the symptoms and needs of seniors with ADHD. Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., is working to change that.
Thanks to her in-depth patient interviews, we now know about these commonly shared ADHD struggles after age 60.
1. Not getting things done
- Procrastination
- Lack of self-discipline
2. Out-of-control emotions
- Being irritable more frequently
- Struggling with anxiety/depression
3. Time-management challenges
- Setting and sticking to a daily routine
- Being aware of time’s passing
4. The “remnants” of hyperactivity
- Feeling restless
- Talking too much
- “Random thoughts whirling in my head”
5. Social challenges
- Feeling misunderstood or judged
- Speaking impulsively
- Missing social cues
Recognizing what ADHD looks like after age 60, Nadeau says, is the first step toward more accurate late-life diagnoses and more effective lifelong treatment.
“[Aging with ADHD] is not all negative — not by a long shot. Some people are having the time of their lives.” —Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.
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Updated on September 20, 2022