Title : Mental health disorders among aged population: Risk factors and prevention strategies
Abstract:
Mental health disorder among aging population (aged above 60 or 65 years) is health challenge in all countries. According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population is aging, it is expected to keep growing for another 50-60 years (reaching 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024). The author of this presentation is of the considered research view that loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions during later life. According to some estimates, one in six elderly people (both men and women) experiences mental health disorders. Such health conditions are caused by, among other factors, abuse (often by their own carers). This work is primarily aimed to present scientific description on contributing factors responsible for mental health disorders (including psychological distress) among aged people (also termed as “senior citizens” or “older adults”). Also, it briefly touches upon prevention strategies. In terms of methodology, secondary that (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. Data were collected from books, book chapters, journal articles, and publications of inter-governmental agencies [such as the World Health Organization (WHO)]. Method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’. Analysis of data also benefited from knowledge gain resulting from interaction of the author with health care experts during conferences held in Tajikistan, Vietnam, USA, Tanzania, Turkey, Ireland, Australia, etc. Analysis of data indicates that although most of the older adults have good health, some are likely to be confronted with mental health disorders, e. g., depression and anxiety. Also, they experience (1) reduced mobility, (2) chronic pain, (3) weakness, (4) lack of strength, and (5) dementia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time. Most importantly, as people age, mental health conditions among older people are often ‘under-recognized’ and ‘under-treated’. What is of more concern is that the stigma surrounding the mental health conditions can make people reluctant to seek help. In terms of risk factors, the author of this research argues that during advanced age, mental health is shaped not only by physical and social environments. Rather it is cumulative impacts of twin factors: (a) earlier life experiences, and (b) ageing-specific stressors. Psychological distress can result from (a) exposure to adversity, (b) significant loss in intrinsic (in-built) capacity, and (c) decline in functional ability. Further, older adults are more likely to experience adverse events such as: loss of close family members and friends, declined income, and passive life after retirement. Furthermore, social isolation, loneliness, abuse, and chronic health conditions of spouses (and\or carters) are other contributing factors. With regards to prevention measures, there is need for strategies aimed at “supporting well-being”, and enable older adults to do “what is important to them”. This presentation briefly concludes that some elder adults are at increased risk of being confronted with mental health disorders due to multiple factors. This requires long-term care for preserving and improving mental health conditions in later life. Prompt recognition and treatment, accompanied by “promising interventions” are essential.
Keywords: Mental Health Disorder, Aged Population, Older Adults, Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies, Treatment, Anxiety, Loneliness, and Depression
