Aiming to restore mental health among older adults: A loud cry

Globally, a significant demographic transition has been observed according to the recent estimates released by the World Health Organization.[1] In fact, keeping the current trend in mind, it has been expected that by the year 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will almost be 2 billion, which is currently 900 million.[1] These extra years of life have not only opened numerous opportunities for older persons but even created a wide range of challenges for the stakeholders so that, diversified needs of the older people is addressed.[1,2] However, to ensure that people live these extra years in a meaningful and dignified manner, the key factor is the maintenance of an optimal state of health (viz., physical, mental, and social elements).[2] Even though, older adults can play major contributions(as a responsible member of family, volunteer, member of the workforce, etc.) in the progress of society, most of them might experience multiple ailments, including mental illnesses at the same time.[3,4] Like any other phase in human life, sound mental health is a crucial determinant to ensure well‑being among older adults.[1,2] In fact, it has been observed that in excess of one‑fifths of adults aged 60 and above worldwide is suffering from a mental or neurological illness, which on their accounts for almost 7 percent of all disability among older adults. Multiple mental illnesses such as dementia, depression (7 percent), anxiety disorders (3.8 percent), substance abuse (1 percent), and suicides have been reported among older adults.[3] Further, most of these estimates do not reflect a clear picture, as these illnesses are overlooked by older adults themselves/family members/health professionals or misdiagnosed or often not reported due to the stigma attributed to them