The world population aged over 60 is estimated to become 2 billion by 2050. The growth of the older adults’ number will be rapid in middle and low-income countries, with enormous consequences for these vulnerable economies. Many people live a long and happy life without any mental health conditions and, despite the widespread image that older people are sad, slow, and forgetful, mental disorders are not an inevitable consequence of aging. Nevertheless, one of the possible negative consequences of the rapid aging of the world population is the increase of the number of older adults with mental disorders, which is likely to overwhelm mental health systems in all countries as they are now.

​

At least 20% of people aged 55 and more may suffer from mental health conditions. Somatic diseases are also important factors in breaking an already fragile psychic balance. Mental disorders can exacerbate the symptoms and functional disabilities associated with medical illnesses and increase the overall cost of care.

​

Mental health conditions can have a significant impact on an older adult's ability to carry out the basic activities of everyday life and to reduce the person’s independence, autonomy and quality of life. Unfortunately, mental health conditions are not often diagnosed and treated. Many older adults struggle without proper help, or simply without any help at all.

​

There are many prejudices about the meaning of mental illness. Many older adults today still see mental illness as a sign of weakness and are unlikely to admit their difficulties. In addition, symptoms of dementia and depression are too often considered as part of normal aging.

​

Despite the significant and increasing number of well-prepared professionals, a well-developed body of knowledge, and a large number of caregivers, it is becoming more and more difficult to persuade the authorities to invest in the overall older adults’ mental health. The distribution of skilled mental health resources for caring older adults among the different regions of the world and income groups is significantly uneven and, in many countries, they are even scarce.

​

In this context, the absence of a comprehensive policies and targeted programs for the older adults’ mental health is not surprising. Despite the improvement in educational programs, the recruitment of new human resources to work in favor of the older adults’ mental health is becoming increasingly difficult. The organization of services for older adults suffering from mental disorders needs vast improvement.

​

The WPA Section of Old Age Psychiatry has been very active in improving the knowledge in this area and in advocating a better mental health for older adults around the world.

​

GOALS

To promote the discipline of Old Age Psychiatry within the framework of WPA by:

1. ensuring that WPA Executive Committee and the Board are well informed of old age psychiatry issues,

2. organizing symposia and workshops at WPA congresses,

3. collaborating with other international organizations with similar interests and participating in major international meetings relevant to the discipline,

4. developing and disseminating educational material for practitioners in the field, and

5. providing technical support to relevant national organization and WPA members.