The Role of Mental Health in Ageing Populations

Written by Amaya Rodriguez McGregor | Research Volunteer | Take Back Your Mind UK

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Are Mental Health Struggles Neglected in Older Populations?

An ageing population is becoming demographically evident on an international scale (Banerjee et al., 2021). Additionally, a marked impact on the quality of life of an older person is seen as a result of poor mental health (Dening & Barapatre, 2004). Hence, now more than ever, the increased consideration and investigation towards the mental health of older people is vital.

Research demonstrates that old age is linked to an increased risk of experiencing mental health disorder, increasingly so over the last couple of decades (Jokela et al., 2013). With both dementia and depression being frequently found in older populations (Dening & Barapatre, 2004). 

Moreover, an imbalance between the widespread presence of mental disorders and the tangible supply of treatment (specifically psychotherapy), is correlated with ageing (Jokela et al., 2013). This was further emphasised over time, in a longitudinal setting (Jokela et al., 2013). As a result, it is reasonable to suggest that a neglect exists for the proper support of mental health in ageing populations.

Does Ageism Affect the Mental Health and Healthcare Experience of Older Adults?

Ageism can be referred to as the concoction of stereotyping and prejudices as a result of age (Banerjee et al., 2021). It affects the mental health of older generations in different ways. 

For example, ageism has a large influence on the way older people’s mental challenges are assessed in healthcare settings (Herrick, Pearcey & Ross, 1997). Elderly people with mental health problems face issues relating to erroneous assessment of such problems (Herrick, Pearcey & Ross, 1997). Moreover, the concept of ageism and its related constructs, are said to impact the dignity of the healthcare provided to older people (Banerjee et al., 2021). Hence, having great potential implications on both their immediate and future health, as well as their trust in healthcare professionals.

But what about ageism’s direct impact on the mental health of older adults? One study found that fresh encounters with ageism showed a strong association with reduced mental health across the board (Lyons et al., 2017). This was most apparent for the younger age-bracket of older people and specifically seen in depression, potentially due to less experience of these age-related changes in behaviour towards them (Lyons et al., 2017). Within this group of people most significantly impacted, men were more affected by ageism than women (Lyons et al., 2017).

How can we support Older Generations with their Mental Health?

Social Support

Research indicates that social resources are an area of struggle for older people (Hoffman et al., 2014). This is compatible with further studies that found this to have a predictive link to elderly depression (Reker, 1997). Already highlighting the improvements of social elements, as a support route with potential for large positive impact, acting from demand.

The actual number of people in an older person’s support network, as well as the individual's perception of social support available to them, were both related to their overall perceived wellbeing as evidenced in research (Wang, 2014).

An additional study demonstrates how an older individual tightly intertwined their view of  the quality of support they receive, with the number of monthly in-person interactions they have with their social support circle (Seeman & Berkman, 1988).

These studies help inform how to support older people better. They tell us that the number of people supporting them and the frequency of face-to-face interactions are important to their wellbeing and to viewing the quality of their social resources in a positive light. As a result, an avenue to better meet the needs of our older generation emerges, giving insight into how we can help the older adults in our circles everyday.

Creative Arts

Two therapeutic methods that are utilised in the improvement of older adult wellbeing is reminiscence and music therapy (Istvandity, 2017). These have been used alongside dementia in place of medication (Istvandity, 2017). In research looking at their benefit when used in combination with each other, positive outcomes were observed in the large majority of studies (Istvandity, 2017).

Dance is another creative outlet that has demonstrated positive results. Promising findings show that a dance-based intervention improved the perceived health status of most participants (Hui et al., 2009). This research supports the psychological and physical advantages of dancing, with the author urging the integration of dance as a wellbeing activity for ageing adults (Hui et al., 2009).