During this busy month of October, groups ranging from people with attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity to those at suicidal risk are the focus of mental health outreach.

As part of national Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, this year’s theme points to the special needs of seniors.  The focus this year is “Mental Health and Older Adult: Addressing a Growing Concern.” Around 75 million Americans are over the age of 60 today, with the number growing.

More globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a multi-year plan to address the needs of older adults, including prevention and treatment of mental health and neurological disorders. They estimate that one in six people will be aged 60 or more by 2030.

Almost 15% of adults over the age of 70 live with a designated mental disorder. Many others  have their mental health diminished by such factors as social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline or dementia.

This WHO fact sheet provides a summary of key factors, risks, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in older adults, as well as other resources.