Recent research released by the first independent UK Inquiry into mental health and older people shows that many over 65 year olds are experiencing mental health problems as a result of age discrimination, poverty, loneliness and poor physical health.

The research also highlights the fact that, as the population ages, over three million over 65s will experience mental health problems by 2021 unless serious action is taken to promote good mental health and well-being for older people, a new report reveals today.

The report, entitled ‘Promoting Mental Health And Well-Being In Later Life’, says that action is needed to remove the barriers that prevent older people from participating in society.

It recommends, for example, that local authorities could establish or fund programmes which have been shown to improve older people’s physical health such as Ageing Well which is a peer to peer mentoring scheme that helps older people lead healthier lives. This programme could be expanded to explicitly address mental health and well-being.

Dr June Crown, Chairman of the Inquiry said: “The mental health and well-being of older people has been neglected for too long. Now is the time for action, and everyone – national and local government, business, communities, and individuals – needs to play a part in promoting positive mental health and well-being and valuing the contribution of older people.”

Gordon Lishman, Director General, Age Concern said: “Older people themselves have highlighted that age discrimination plays a role in poor mental health – it has been tolerated for too long.” 

Age Concern has joined forces with The Mental Health Foundation to support the promotion of this report, which also calls on the Government to set a date for ending pensioner poverty.

The Promoting mental health and well-being in later life report is free and available to download from www.mhilli.org. or call 020 8765 7511  or 020 7803 1128.

Please also visit: www.ageconcern.org.uk  and www.mhf.org.uk