Mental health of older adults a growing concern

Koo Jin Shen
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

AWARENESS campaigns on Mental Health in Brunei will take place over television and radio for the upcoming World Mental Health Day, said a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, there is so far no other plans to mark the occasion of World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10.

This year's World Mental Health Day has the theme of "Mental health and older adults".

In a special paper published by the World Health Organisation, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day entitled "Mental Health of Older Adults, Addressing a Growing Concern", older adults will face special health challenges.

It highlighted dementia and depression, among others, as mental health issues that will need to be overcome.

It also noted other issues such as unwillingness to seek help, stress on family and caregivers, and the need of research and understanding to overcome such problems.

"Mental health problems of older adults are under-identified by health care professionals and older people themselves, and older people are often reluctant to seek help," said the paper.

The paper also note that a multitude of social, demographic, psychological, and biological factors contribute to a person's mental health status, and that almost all these factors "are particularly pertinent amongst older adults".

"Older adults are more likely to experience events such as bereavements or physical disability that affect emotional well-being and can result in poorer mental health," the report said, adding that they are also more susceptible to factors such as poverty, social isolation, loss of independence and loneliness.

"They may also be exposed to maltreatment at home and in care institutions," said the paper.

However, it noted that social support and family interactions can boost the dignity of older adults, and are likely to have a protective role in the mental health of the population.

The paper concluded that while more research on the biological, psychological and social aspects of older adults' mental health is needed, "we already know enough to make a difference".

It stressed that general well-being must be improved through a life-course approach and by promoting healthy lifestyles.

"We need to identify and treat mental disorders among this age group as early as possible. It is important to improve the social capital and involve communities and families in supporting the older adults.

"We need to support and engage non-profit organisations, NGOs and the peer groups of older adults. We should also establish public-private partnerships to fill the service gap."

Dipetik dari - The Brunei Times