World Mental Health Day: October 10, 2013
Mental disorders among older people often go undetected and there is concern about recent increases in suicides says
AUT’s Professor Max Abbott on World Mental Health Day (WMHD). Mental health and older people is the focus of this year’s
WMHD on 10 October.
“While more needs to be done to help older people with mental health problems and to support informal caregivers,
overall the prevalence of mental disorders is lower for this group than for other adults,” says Professor Max Abbott,
co-director of AUT’s National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research.
“The New Zealand Mental Health Survey found that the prevalence of mental disorders peaked at 29% for those aged 16-24.
Rates dropped with age and only 7% of people over 65 had a mental disorder.
“With an ageing global population, the mental health of older people is increasingly an issue not just for those
affected, but all of society.
“By the year 2050 the world population over the age of 60 is estimated to be 2 billion and for the first time in human
history older persons will outnumber children under the age of 16.
“Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems for older people, as they are for people generally.
The incidence of dementia increases with age and is the leading cause of dependency and disability for older people.
“The recent Sovereign Wellbeing Index Survey, conducted by colleagues at the Human Potential Centre, AUT Millennium,
found that depressed mood was significantly lower for people aged 70-79 than for younger groups, however, there is an
increase again after the age of 80.”
“The survey concluded that ‘Five Winning Ways’ were most important for wellbeing. They include socially connecting with others (Connect), giving time and resources to others (Give), appreciating and taking notice of things around oneself (Take notice), learning new things (Keep learning) and being physically active (Be active).
The ‘Five Winning Ways’ and AUT’s never2old programme http://aut.ac/never2old will be discussed at a free seminar marking WMHD at AUT’s North Shore Campus from 4pm-7pm.
WMHD event at AUT’s North Shore Campus
A panel of speakers will discuss successes and challenges at the seminar addressing mental health disorders among older
persons and the promotion of positive health and wellbeing.
Speakers include….
Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister for Senior Citizens and Associate Minister of Health, will speak on behalf of Government
regarding national policy and initiatives to meet mental health needs.
Dr Murray Patton, Clinical Director of Mental Health Waitemata District Health Board, will provide Auckland and clinical
perspectives.
Professor Grant Schofield, AUT Professor of Public Health and Director of the Human Potential Centre, will give an
overview of the recent national Sovereign Wellbeing Index survey findings and the Five Winning Ways to Happiness.
Phillipa Batts, Operations Manager for the never2old programme will discuss the programme’s role in relation to health
and wellbeing. http://aut.ac/never2old
Mental Health Foundation, Health Promoter, Marie Hull-Brown will comment on the prior presentations and discuss the
importance of ‘connection’ to mental health.
Professor Max Abbott is available for media commentary on issues relating to the mental health of older people and more
widely on mental health issues.
ENDS