Key Facts
- By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over.
- Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life.
- One in six older adults experiences abuse, often by their own carers.
- Approximately 14% of adults aged 70 and over live with a mental disorder.
- Mental disorders among older adults aged 70 years or older account for 6.8% of the total years lived with disability for this age group.
Overview
The world is witnessing a remarkable demographic shift: the population is ageing rapidly. As of 2023, there are 1.1 billion people aged 60 and over globally. Projections suggest this number will almost double to 2.1 billion by 2050, representing one in five people worldwide. By the late 2060s, the number of individuals aged 60 years and above will reach 2.5 billion, surpassing the number of children under 18. Notably, the segment of the population aged 80 or older is expected to increase more than threefold, reaching 545 million by 2060.
Older adults play substantial roles within society, often as family leaders, community supporters, and dedicated volunteers. While many enjoy good physical health, they are at a heightened risk of mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, they may face difficulties like chronic pain, reduced mobility, or conditions like dementia that require long-term care. As they age, it’s not uncommon for older individuals to experience multiple health challenges simultaneously, adding complexity to their mental health needs.
Prevalence
Statistics reveal that approximately 14.1% of adults aged 70 and over are living with a mental disorder, with conditions like depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. According to the Global Health Estimates (GHE) 2021, mental health disorders account for 6.8% of total years lived with disability in this age group. Alarmingly, suicide rates among older adults are significant, with nearly one-sixth of global suicide deaths occurring in individuals aged 70 and above.
Mental health conditions in seniors often go undiagnosed and undertreated, exacerbated by the stigma associated with seeking help. This stigma can lead to a cycle of suffering, where individuals avoid addressing their mental health needs due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Risk Factors
Mental health in older adults is influenced by an array of factors, including lifestyle, physical health, and previous life experiences. Stressors common among older populations include bereavement, the loss of functional ability, financial challenges, and a diminished sense of purpose following retirement. Unfortunately, many older adults also face ageism, a societal bias that can negatively impact their mental well-being.
Social isolation and loneliness, affecting about 25% of older individuals, are pivotal risk factors for mental health issues. Moreover, elder abuse, which encompasses physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or financial maltreatment, is alarmingly common; around one in six older adults experiences such abuse, often from caregivers. The ramifications of abuse are severe, frequently resulting in anxiety, depression, and even physical health decline.
Caregivers themselves also face significant stress. Many older adults are care recipients for spouses with chronic conditions, such as dementia, which can create emotional and psychological strains that impact their mental health.
Furthermore, older adults in precarious living conditions or with limited access to supportive services are at heightened risk of mental health issues. This includes those facing chronic illnesses or enduring crises, such as humanitarian settings.
Promotion and Prevention
To foster mental health and well-being among older adults, community-centered strategies focused on healthy ageing are essential. Such approaches emphasize creating conducive physical and social environments that support older individuals in engaging in life despite intrinsic capacity loss.
Effective mental health promotion for this demographic includes:
- Reducing financial instability and income disparities;
- Ensuring safe, accessible housing and public transportation;
- Providing social support for older adults and their caregivers;
- Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical activity, and moderation of substances;
- Implementing targeted health and social programs for vulnerable groups, including those living independently or in remote areas.
Developing strong social connections is paramount to mitigating the effects of isolation and loneliness in older adults. Engaging in meaningful social activities not only enhances life satisfaction and mental health but also can effectively reduce symptoms of depression. Successful initiatives can include befriending programs, community support groups, creative arts classes, and opportunities for volunteering.
Combating ageism and abuse is also critical. Interventions should include robust anti-discrimination laws, intergenerational initiatives, and comprehensive caregiver support to ensure that relationships remain healthy and supportive, rather than abusive.
Treatment and Care
Timely identification and treatment of mental health conditions in older adults are vital. This necessitates a framework for integrated care that emphasizes community engagement and long-term support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
Dementia care is particularly crucial, given its profound impact on mental health. Access to quality mental health services and resources is essential for individuals affected by this condition.
Addressing elder abuse is also imperative. Effective strategies can include mandatory reporting requirements, psychological programs for abusers, and training for healthcare providers to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.
WHO Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with various stakeholders to develop strategies, programs, and tools aimed at addressing the mental health needs of older adults. The Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) initiative represents a global effort to enhance the quality of life for older individuals and their communities.
The WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, endorsed by member states, advocates for improved mental health care among all populations, specifically focusing on older adults.
In responding to recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO and its partners have developed resources to help maintain mental well-being among older adults. These activities include creating illustrated toolkits for mental health support, conducting research on interventions to combat loneliness, and establishing guidelines aimed at preventing elder abuse.
References
(1) World Population Prospects 2024. New York: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division; 2024 (https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads)
(2) 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) [online database]. Seattle: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation; 2024 (https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/, accessed 13 August 2025).
(3) From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/381746
(4) Yon YY, Mikton CR, Gassoumis ZD, Wilber KH. Elder abuse prevalence in community settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2017;5(2):e147–e156. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30006-2.