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According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from mental or neurological disorders, which impact their quality of life hence, it is critical that we understand and address the mental health needs of senior citizens as mental health issues among older adults are a prevalent but often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. According to a recent Lancet Report, the number of dementia cases in India is expected to almost double by 2050 where the tally will increase to 11M from 3.8M in 2019, according to the analysis published in January 2022.
These findings are proof of the need to raise awareness about senior citizens’ mental health and implement effective strategies to address their unique needs. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shabnam Mir, Consultant Physician and Head Clinical Operation at Antara, shared, “With time, the need for dependable and professional services and solutions for seniors has accentuated. India needs a robust and well-rounded senior care ecosystem to cater to the evolving needs of the senior population. This, in fact, presents an untapped economic opportunity to drive India’s growth agenda in the next 2-3 decades. Therefore, to keep up with the emerging needs, we need senior living facilities that are equipped to respond to the evolving needs and desires of seniors through a blend of lifestyle and lifecare offerings delivering a comprehensive, seamless experience. Recognising the need for specialised care for patients, we need to introduce specially-curated facilities like Memory Care Homes, with ambulatory, neurological and ageing-related conditions, that offer healthcare solutions based on its Memory Care Learning Roadmap.”
Asserting that by addressing these various aspects holistically, we can effectively enhance the mental health and quality of life for senior citizens, Dr Shabnam Mir recommended a few comprehensive approaches to improve senior citizens’ mental health –
Dr Shabnam Mir concluded, “The comprehensive approaches outlined above, regular health check-ups and creative therapies, collectively form a blueprint for enhancing the mental health of our seniors. By fostering a society that embraces specialised care and leverages the power of technology, we can create an environment where seniors receive the support and resources they need to thrive mentally, emotionally and socially.”
Tips to improve senior citizens' mental health – Hindustan Times
