Mental health in older people (2008)

Although the majority of older people enjoy good mental health and well-being, a share of older people experiences mental disorders, especially depression, and there is also a high prevalence of often age-related neuropsychiatric conditions, including dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Demographic change will lead to a growing number of older people in Europe, and an increase of neuropsychiatric conditions, together with the associated health and welfare costs. At the same time, active ageing will become increasingly important. In a collaborative effort involving researchers, policy makers and stakeholders from across the EU, a consensus paper on mental health of older people was prepared. This will be the basis for further work to identify and exchange European best practice, the success factors underlying it and for developing recommendations for further action.