By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 years or over. The global population of adults aged 60 and above reached 1.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double to 2.1 billion by 2050. By the late 2060s, this segment is expected to surpass the number of individuals under 18 years old, reaching approximately 2.5 billion. Additionally, the population aged 80 years and older is anticipated to exceed 545 million by 2060.
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Older adults are an integral part of society, serving as family members, volunteers, and workers. While many enjoy good health, they are at an increased risk for mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. Conditions such as reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, and dementia can lead to a need for long-term care. In 2023, an estimated 14.75% of adults aged 70 and over lived with a mental disorder, predominantly anxiety or depression. Mental disorders contribute to 6.8% of years lived with disability in this age group. Alarmingly, around 16.6% of global suicide deaths occur among people aged 70 or older.
Unfortunately, mental health conditions in older adults are frequently overlooked and inadequately addressed. The stigma surrounding these issues often discourages individuals from seeking help. Various risk factors influence mental health in this demographic, including social isolation and loneliness, which affect approximately a quarter of older adults. Furthermore, one in six older individuals experiences abuse, often at the hands of their caregivers. Such abuse can result in serious mental health consequences, including anxiety and depression.
Many older adults also care for spouses suffering from chronic health conditions, contributing to their own stress and mental health struggles. Socioeconomic factors such as poor living conditions, lack of access to quality services, and chronic health issues increase the likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety, particularly among those in humanitarian settings.
Promoting mental health among older adults focuses on fostering healthy aging through supportive physical and social environments. Effective strategies include reducing income inequality, ensuring accessible housing and transport, and providing social support for both older adults and their caregivers. Encouraging healthy behaviors and targeting interventions for vulnerable groups are also critical. Engaging older adults in social activities is vital for improving mental health and reducing feelings of isolation.
Protecting older adults from ageism and abuse is essential. Interventions such as anti-discrimination policies and support for caregivers can mitigate risks. Prompt identification and treatment of mental health issues are necessary, following community-based care models that address long-term health needs alongside support for personal care and social integration. Dementia, a significant concern, requires quality mental health care access.
The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with various partners to enhance mental health services for older adults. The Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) aims to improve the lives of older individuals globally. The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 and the Mental Health Gap Action Programme provide frameworks for addressing mental health and substance use disorders in non-specialized settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO developed resources to support older adults' mental health, alongside ongoing research and intervention initiatives aimed at reducing loneliness and preventing elder abuse.