Mental health and older people

- Demographic changes in industrialised societies are producing a rising proportion of older people. - Optimising older people’s quality of life health is an increasingly important priority for health professionals, governments, and society as a whole. - There is an overarching need to create a future ‘society for all ages’. - People are living an increasing proportion of their lives in the years following their normal employment; this ‘third age’ is potentially a time of fulfilment as well as new achievement. - However, factors such as poverty, isolation, disability, and loss of loved ones are more prevalent among older people and increase the risk of mental health problems. - The oldest-old are the fastest increasing population segment in industrialised countries and are particularly vulnerable to physical and psychological health problems. - Dementia, depression, anxiety and delirium are the commonest mental problems among older people. - Mental disorders interact with existing disabilities to further reduce function and quality of life. - The rate of suicide worldwide is higher among older people than any other age group and depression is its most important cause. - Mental health problems are less likely to be detected and treated among older people than other age groups. - There are effective interventions for most mental disorders experienced by older persons, but less than 1 in 10 depressed older person receives treatment. - Age related discrimination remains an important source of poor care and reduced quality of life. - The challenge to create conditions conducive to active and healthy ageing is a vital priority for governments, institutions and civil society. This will involve developing a sustainable mix of various forms of care for older persons including formal and informal care