“Mental health and well-being in older people – making it happen”

The conference identified several horizontal issues needed for consideration in order to improve the mental health and well-being of older people:

 ageing starts at birth and it is determined by experiences in earlier life;
 the elderly are a heterogeneous group both between and within the Member States;
 the relevance of close relationships, physical, social and mental health, economic and cultural determinants;
 gender aspects; and
 research into the mental health and well-being of older people.

The conference supported a number of principles for building action to improve the mental health and well-being in older people:

 strengthening of protective factors for ageing in good mental health and well-being;
 need for intersectoral and interdisciplinary cooperation, in particular health and social sectors;
 empowerment of older people.

Priority fields and key actions identified:

 mental health promotion in old age, healthy ageing and well-being – a healthy lifestyle, safe living environment and meaningful active participation in society and the community;
 prevention of mental disorders and promotion of autonomy – through addressing the risk factors for mental health problems in old age;
 older people in vulnerable situations – especially older women, persons with disabilities, those living in or at risk of poverty, experiencing chronic illness, suffering abuse and belonging to minority group (ethnic, religious, sexual);
 health systems for care and treatment – community and outpatient oriented, proactive collaboration between physical and mental health treatment systems (esp. primary health care strengthened) and health and social sectors;
 supporting the informal carers – gender dimension.

For more information:

Mental Health Europe Position Paper on Mental Health and Well-being of Older People

European Compass for Action on Mental Health and Well-being

AGE Press Release on Mental Health and Well-being of Older People

Official Report with conclusions from the conference.

EPHA related articles

 Formal launch of the European Parliament Interest Group on Mental Health
 AGE Platform Europe issues position on mental health among older people
 New focus on Europe’s mental health
 “Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Young People – Making it happen”
 Gender differences highlighted at workshop on mental health
 A Human Right’s Perspective on Poverty and Mental Health in the European Union