Editorial - Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry (2024) Volume 9, Issue 2

Later life mental health: Issues, support, resilience

Dr. George Kim^*

Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. George Kim
Department of Psychiatry
University of British Columbia.
E-mail: geore.kim@ubc.ca

Received : 05-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-200; Editor assigned : 07-Nov-2025, PreQC No. AAAGP-25-200(PQ); Reviewed : 27-Nov-2025, QC No AAAGP-25-200; Revised : 08-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-200(R); Published : 17-Dec-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/aaagp-9.2.200

Citation: Kim DG. Later life mental health: Issues, support, resilienc. J Age Geriat Psych. 2025;09(02):200.

Introduction

Depression in older adults is a complex issue, requiring comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions. Its presentation often differs from younger populations, and it can be exacerbated by co-morbidities and social isolation. Understanding these nuances is key to effective geriatric psychological care [1].

Psychological interventions can offer benefits for cognitive decline and dementia, particularly by improving mood and behavioral symptoms, and to some extent, cognitive function. This highlights the value of non-pharmacological strategies in managing the psychological aspects of cognitive impairment in older adults [2].

Social isolation and loneliness significantly impact older adults' health outcomes, negatively affecting both mental and physical well-being. These distinct yet often co-occurring issues necessitate targeted interventions that foster social connection and reduce feelings of isolation, thereby improving overall quality of life in geriatric populations [3].

Anxiety disorders are frequently underdiagnosed in older adults, yet they profoundly impair quality of life. An updated understanding of their prevalence, risk factors, and common presentations in geriatric populations reveals that anxiety in later life often intertwines with physical health issues and life transitions, demanding a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment that considers these unique contexts [4].

Resilience acts as a protective factor for mental well-being in older adults, enabling individuals to adapt to age-related challenges and maintain psychological health despite adversity. Promoting resilience through various interventions—such as social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and emotion regulation strategies—is important for fostering better mental health outcomes in later life [5].

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in older adults and significantly affect their mental and physical health. Addressing common types of sleep problems, understanding their clinical consequences, and implementing current management strategies are crucial. There is a reciprocal relationship between sleep quality and psychological well-being, underscoring that improving sleep is a vital component of comprehensive geriatric care, preventing or alleviating mental health problems [6].

Caregivers of older adults with dementia often experience significant psychological burden. This burden, including stress, depression, and anxiety, impacts their own mental health and capacity to provide care. Insights into these contributing factors are essential for developing targeted support programs and interventions that alleviate caregiver distress, ultimately benefiting both caregivers and the individuals they care for [7].

Digital mental health interventions tailored for older adults show promise. Technology-based tools, from smartphone apps to telehealth platforms, can improve access to mental healthcare and support psychological well-being in geriatric populations. Maximizing their impact requires user-friendly designs and addressing digital literacy barriers [8].

Ageism, or discrimination based on age, significantly impacts the mental health of older adults. Internalized and external ageism contributes to psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, and poorer cognitive function. Societal attitudes and stereotypes about aging are detrimental, actively undermining the well-being and self-perception of older individuals, thus calling for concerted efforts to challenge and dismantle ageist biases [9].

Key psychological factors contribute to healthy aging, moving beyond the mere absence of disease to encompass elements like positive affect, a sense of purpose in life, and active engagement. While biological and social factors are important, psychological resources are crucial for promoting overall well-being and adaptation across the lifespan. Fostering these psychological strengths can empower older adults to experience a more fulfilling and psychologically healthy aging process [10].

Conclusion

This collection of reviews offers a comprehensive look at geriatric mental health, covering prevalent issues and potential interventions. It highlights the complex nature of depression and anxiety in older adults, often intertwined with co-morbidities, life transitions, and underdiagnosis [1, 4]. Social isolation and loneliness are identified as significant negative factors impacting overall well-being, emphasizing the need for connection-fostering interventions [3]. The psychological burden on dementia caregivers is substantial, calling for targeted support [7]. The reviews also explore the benefits of psychological interventions for cognitive decline, improving mood and behavior [2]. Crucially, the collection underscores the importance of protective factors like resilience and psychological elements of healthy aging, such as purpose and engagement, in maintaining well-being despite adversity [5, 10]. It also addresses detrimental external factors like ageism, which negatively impact mental health [9], and physiological issues like sleep disturbances, which are reciprocally linked to psychological well-being [6]. Finally, the data points to the emerging role of digital mental health interventions in improving access to care for older adults [8]. Collectively, these insights advocate for holistic, tailored, and multi-faceted approaches to support mental health in later life.

References

1. Bamidele OF, Katerina K, Maria K. Depression in older adults: A scoping review of the literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(16):8635.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Anat B, Kathryn SW, Paul KAVH. Psychological interventions for cognitive decline and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimer's Dement. 2023;19(1):164-180.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Narelle MD, Anthony SRD, Michael JT. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gerontologist. 2021;61(2):330-342.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Mirela O, Anca DB, Oana LR. Anxiety disorders in older adults: An updated systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2022;301:211-224.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Shasha W, Lijuan W, Hongjie M. Resilience and mental well-being in older adults: A systematic review. Aging Ment Health. 2022;26(10):2149-2162.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Bin Z, Xiang G, Lingling F. Sleep disturbances in older adults: prevalence, impact, and management. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2023;36(4):254-263.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Yang L, Hongxia L, Wenqi L. Psychological burden of caregivers for older adults with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2021;294:406-417.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Shuai L, Jia L, Xinyu W. Digital mental health interventions for older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2023;321:194-206.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Elizabeth SC, Allison EVK, Becca RL. The impact of ageism on the mental health of older adults: A systematic review. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020;75(1):107-118.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Ram P, Lakshmi SI, Santhosh KM. Psychological factors of healthy aging: A systematic review. J Health Psychol. 2021;26(10):1551-1563.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref