World Mental Health Day 2013 World Mental Health Day 10 October 2013, older man, outside, active This World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2013, we want to talk about the positive aspects of mental health in later life. We’re all aware of the enormous problems that loneliness, isolation, dementia and depression can cause for older people, and much of the work of the Foundation focusses on improving the lives of older people who experience these difficulties. But did you know that on average people aged 55 and over have greater life satisfaction than people aged 25-54? (Office of National Statistics, Measuring National Well-being, Personal Well-being in the UK, 2012/13). On World Mental Health Day 2013 we want to celebrate the enormous potential that this phase can have in terms of enjoying a full and active later life, and maintaining a healthy social involvement in the community. The World Federation for Mental Health recommends promoting active and healthy ageing in their newly published World Mental Health Day report, ‘Mental Health and Older People’: “There is much we can do to promote good mental health and well-being in later life. Participation in meaningful activities, strong personal relationships and good physical health are key factors.” But the report also emphasises the role responsibility that Government has, together with voluntary sector organisations and ‘for profit’ organisations, to promote good mental health among older people. Older people in Okinawa, Japan featured in the recent Happy Movie as a great example of older people who are enjoying their later life by staying active and enjoying a strong sense of connection with the people around them. http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/world-mental-health-day/world-mental-health-day-2013/ |
