On the eve of World Mental Health Day, the Cosmos Institute of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences (CIMBS) is organising the Mental Health Fortnight from October 4 to 18. The theme for this year is “Mental Health & Older Adults”. The team of mental health professionals at CIMBS- Delhi Psychiatry Centre, also initiated their ‘Connect, Celebrate, Live’ - a special programme with a range of mental health services for the older adults.

The 'Connect, Celebrate, Live' Programme of CIMBS has a range of activities that include specialized interdisciplinary clinics at Delhi Psychiatry Centre for older adults where a neuro- psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and social worker along with a physician would provide dedicated services for proper diagnosis and intervention. Other initiatives include a home care programme, companionship programme in collaboration with Caring Foundation and other agencies, self-help groups for the caregivers and the elderly, awareness and education programmes in the community in partnership with NGOs and RWAs.

Dr Sunil Mittal, leading psychiatrist and chief managing director, CIMBS says, “As many as 75 per cent of people over the age of 75 have a diagnosable mental health problem. Of these, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders predominate. Anxiety affects as many as 10-20 per cent of the older population. Older adults with anxiety disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated as they may not recognise or acknowledge their symptoms. Consequently not only does their quality of life suffer, but existing physical disorders such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or pain disorders may worsen.”

Dr Mittal further added that for older adults, depression often goes along with anxiety, and both can be debilitating, reducing overall health and quality of life. “Anxiety and depression are also linked to memory and can cause the cognitive decline seen with ageing. There is strong medical evidence that chronic untreated depression can lead to dementia and worsening of heart disease and diabetes. The stresses and changes that sometimes go along with aging—poor health, memory problems, cataract, loss of hearing and declining physical abilities, chronic pain etc. - can cause  anxiety or depressive disorders leading to poorer outcomes. Older adults and their families should be aware that these health changes can also bring on anxiety and depression resulting in alcohol or substance abuse such as sedative abuse, which may hide the symptoms of depression and anxiety or make them worse.”

Data from a recent epidemiological study indicated an average of 20.5% mental health morbidity in older adults. Accordingly, it was found that, at present, at least 17.13 million older adults are suffering from mental health problems in India. There will be no solution to this growing problem till we recognise it.

Dr Mittal also urged that there is an urgent need to set special mental health programmes for the older adults which should be addressed in the Mental Health Policy being drafted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also a specialty post graduate and fellowship training program in geriatric psychiatry and gero-psychology be started urgently to cater the needs of our older population.