AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Globally, the number of elders is growing at an unprecedented rate. As the older population continues its inexorable growth, so does the number of older adults with mental health disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and substance abuse. The WHO estimates that 20% of older adults worldwide have neurological and psychological disorders (2015). The number of those with dementia is expected double to over 81 million by 2040. Late-life depressive disorders are also prevalent and are the leading cause of disability in older adults worldwide. Mental disorders lead to increased morbidity and mortality in older adults, and generate significant social and economic burdens in terms of increased strain on families and higher medical costs for societies. Mental health and well-being of older people across the globe are influenced by varying personal characteristics, cultural factors, familial constructs, and national policies and resources. This symposium will provide an understanding of issues related to ageing and mental health from a global perspective. Gerontological experts representing North American, Oceania, Europe, South Asia and East Asia will discuss the status of aging and mental health in their countries including prevalence, culture, caregiving, polices and services. With the continued global expansion of older populations, developing effective approaches to address geriatric mental health disorders is essential for the social and financial well-being of nations. The need for policies and aged care services to respond to the diversity in mental health issues for elders in socially, culturally, and geographically different settings will be discussed.