Mental Health of Elderly People

By : Anurag Upadhyay, Richa Singh

Page No: 61-70

Abstract
Ageing is an inescapable reality of human existence. Proportions of seniors are increasing more rapidly than all other age groups. Mental health conditions are important cause of morbidity and premature mortality for older adults. Dementia and major depression are the two leading neuropsychiatric disorders which affects the quality of life of elderly people. Dementia is characterized by a progressive and generally irreversible loss in mental capabilities. Vital brain cells are destroyed and symptoms include memory loss, confusion and inappropriate social behavior. Dementia results into functional dependency among older people. So, long-term care has become one of the major problems facing an aging society. Also, aged with psychological problems do not get the required medical attention, while dementia is considered a normal process of ageing that a doctor cannot help much, depression is rarely diagnosed or treated. As the number of older adults’ increases in the 21st Century, psychologists are in a position to address their developmental and psychologically related issues and enhance their intellectual, social, and emotional well-being.

Authors :
Richa Singh : Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Vasanta College for Women, Rajghat, Fort, Varanasi
Anurag Upadhyay : Research Scholar, Cognitive Science laboratory, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005