Seniors, those aged 60 and up, contribute significantly to society as family members, volunteers, and active workforce participants. While the majority of older persons are in good mental health, they are at risk of developing mental illnesses, neurological diseases, or other health concerns including diabetes, hearing loss, and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, as people grow older, they are more prone to suffer from multiple ailments at the same time.
Important Key Facts:
- -The world’s population is increasingly ageing. Between 2015 and 2050, the fraction of the global population aged 60 and up will nearly double, from 12% to 22%.
- -Mental health and well-being are just as vital in later life as they are at any other age.
- -Mental and neurological illnesses account for 6.6% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in this age range.
- -An estimated 15% of persons aged 60 and up suffer from a mental illness.
The Problem
Over 20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder (excluding headache disorders), and mental and neurological disorders account for 6.6% of all impairment (disability adjusted life years-DALYs) among people over 60. In older persons, these illnesses account for 17.4% of Years Lived with Disability (YLDs).
