10.P. Workshop: Mental health of older people

Abstract

Abstract Due to a general health deterioration, decline in functional ability, accumulated stressful events related to loss and bereavement, and unfavorable socio-economic circumstances, older adults are known to be vulnerable to the development of mental health problems, sometimes leading to serious mental disorders. Approximately 20% of adults aged 60 and over, suffer nowadays from a mental or neurological disorder. This problem is possibly even more distinct in the context of the recent Covid-19 pandemic where health protecting measurements like restricting physical and social contact, disproportionally affect the mental health of older people who are already at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. However, according to the WHO, mental health impairment in older people is still a highly under-identified, and under-estimated public health issue, often surrounded by shame and stigma, which hinders an adequate mental health promoting approach in this population. This workshop wants to contribute to new findings in the role that certain factors can play in protecting and promoting the mental health of older people. Research during circumstances of a crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic, may reveal new insights in this context, although the long-term effects are not yet clear, and longstanding factors may not be overlooked. Dr Sunwoo Lee (Czech Republic) performed a large survey about mental health of older adults in 27 European countries and will discuss the important role that resilience and optimism can play in promoting mental health in older adults in the midst of a pandemic crisis. Dr. Cynthia Engels (France) investigated changes in daily activities and mental health of older adults during the lockdown period in France. She will report about the most important changes found and what it meant for peoples' wellbeing and social contacts. Prof. Patricia De Vriendt (Belgium) further focused on the daily activities of older men and women during the Covid lockdown in Belgium and discovered a significant gender difference in the extent to which they succeed to engage in meaningful activities during this crisis. She will discuss how crucial this meaning in activities is for older adults to maintain in good mental health. Finally, Prof. Jutta Lindert (Germany and US) will share the rather surprising findings of a large nationwide study in the United States among older adults showing how daily discrimination is related to impaired cognitive functioning in older men and women. She points to the importance of reducing discrimination, especially when the Covid-crisis is behind us, as an important factor in supporting mental health in this older population. Key messages Resilience, optimism and meaningful activities are important factors in mental health promotion for older adults. Discrimination has a negative impact on older adults' cognitive function.