Mental & Emotional Unraveling!

What does it mean when a person who was once fairly stable, begins to crumble over nearly everything, big or small? Crying all of the time, running away from people and places that they once loved, even people who are triggering panic attacks causing this person to run home and hide!? They are nearly 66yrs old, they are simply not there normal self, but has become quite fragile in so many ways. It is really concerning!

-They quit after a minor accident. They left their church home after 40+yrs. because a man wouldn't/ couldn't contain himself and leave them alone!? There are a lot of things causing this individual to lose it, including disease!

What does it mean?

It seems like they no longer feel emotionally safe

It could mean a number of things. Getting older is not easy. First I would have person physically checked out by a Dr. There could be an underlying disease.
In conjunction with that an emotional evaluation by a professional in the mental health field could prove useful. Eventually some kind of diagnosis will be made regarding any problems.

It could be an anxiety disorder of some sort. He's obviously run out of patience or no longer has a thick skin, I think continual traumas and disappointments can do that to a person. He may need to learn some coping skills. Never too old.