The Hidden Struggles of Older Adults with ADHD
- Julie Davies Shields
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
When we think of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), the image that often comes to mind is a hyperactive child who struggles to sit still in class.
But ADHD doesn’t simply disappear when we grow older. Studies have shown that ADHD remains a lifelong condition - and in many cases of older adults (40+), one that often goes unnoticed, undiagnosed, and misunderstood.
And whilst awareness of ADHD in adults grows, much of the conversation still focuses on younger individuals navigating their careers or raising families. But what about those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s who are just beginning to recognize the signs and symptoms? For them, the journey of understanding and managing ADHD can be a massive challenge.
ADHD in Older Adults: A Late Discovery
👉 It is estimated that around 2.8% of adults worldwide have ADHD, but this figure may be under-reported, especially among older generations. Many older adults grew up in a time when ADHD wasn’t well understood or widely diagnosed. Instead of being labeled as “neurodivergent,” they were often dismissed as “daydreamers,” "forgetful," "disorganised," “troublemakers,” or "lazy," "crazy," "weird".
🤯 For some older adults, the diagnosis comes as a surprise later in life - often triggered by a conversation with a healthcare provider, a family member’s diagnosis, or even articles about ADHD traits that suddenly feel all too familiar. Also, they might get an assessment simply because one of their children or grandchildren has been diagnosed with ADHD (studies have shown that in more than 50% of ADHD cases, the diversity can be traced back to the parent's as well as the grandparent's generation).
😯These older individuals may recognize patterns they’ve lived with for decades:
chronic disorganisation and/or clutter
constant forgetfulness, like missing appointments or losing keys
struggles with time management and/or procrastination
feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks or responsibilities
For others, ADHD may exacerbate challenges associated with aging, such as memory issues or difficulty maintaining focus. When left undiagnosed, these symptoms can lead to frustration, relationship strains, anxiety or even depression.
The Challenges of a Late Diagnosis
🤔 Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it provides clarity and a sense of validation—finally explaining years of struggles and self-doubt. On the other hand, it can be difficult to reconcile the impact ADHD has had on one’s personal and professional life.
Older adults may experience a bunch of different challenges, including:
😕 Stigma & Misunderstanding: mental health discussions were often taboo for older generations, leading to hesitancy in seeking support.
😔 Overlap with Aging Symptoms: many ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness or losing focus, overlap with natural cognitive changes associated with aging. This can make diagnosis more complex.
😶🌫️ Limited Resources: much of the ADHD treatment landscape—from online support groups to therapy - is geared toward younger adults or parents of children with ADHD.
📣 Good To Know - It’s Never Too Late
A late ADHD diagnosis doesn’t mean it’s too late to make meaningful changes. Awareness and treatment can significantly improve quality of life, even for older adults.
Here’s how:
🫧 Medication & Therapy: many older adults find relief through stimulant medications or non-stimulant alternatives, often combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thought patterns and habits.
🫧 Lifestyle Adjustments: Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, using digital reminders, and minimising distractions can help manage symptoms.
🫧 Support Systems: Joining ADHD-focused groups - either in-person or online - can provide a sense of belonging and shared understanding.
🫧 Reframing Self-Perception: Understanding ADHD as part of one’s identity can shift the narrative from self-criticism to self-acceptance.
💯 Why ADHD in Older Adults Deserves Attention
Addressing ADHD in older adults isn’t just about raising awareness - it’s about giving people the tools and support they need to thrive at any stage of life.
Untreated ADHD can take a toll on mental health, relationships, and even physical well-being. By opening up the conversation and normalising discussions around ADHD in older age, we can ensure that no one feels too “old” to seek help or make changes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with focus, organisation, or managing daily life, consider exploring whether ADHD might be part of the picture. A diagnosis is not a label - it’s a step toward understanding yourself and unlocking your potential.
At It's All About You, we have no age limits. No matter how old you are (or how old you feel 😅), we are happy to support you and your ADHD. Simply get in touch by sending us an e-mail to welcome@its-all-about-you.ch, or by using our contact form on our website, to find out what we can do you.
We look forward to meeting you and your ADHD 😊.
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