Mental Health Dayfell last week;the focus was Mental Health and Older people.
President ofthPNG Psychiatrist association Dr Uma Ambi relayedthe message fromtheWorld Federation for Mental Health.
It’s revealedthe world is aging andthe need for mental well-being has become greater.
According Mental Health ExpertoDr. Uma Ambi, Papua New Guinearsquo;s population has never been as mature as now. We’re growing in stride with developed nations.
The United Nationsusesthe bench mark of 60 years of age or abover to refer to Older People. However, in many high income countries,the age of 65 is used as a reference point for older persons, as this is oftenthe age at which person become eligible for social security benefits.
Earlier on, inthe beginning ofthe millennium, it became clear inthe USA that about twenty per cent of adults age 55 and over suffer from a mental disorder.
Global Statistics shows this to be an almost universal problem.
Mental Health problems for older adults are under identiflied by health care professionals and older peoplethemselves. And older people are often reluctant to seek help.
Underlying factors of mental health problems in older adults is a multitude of factors such as poverty, social isolation, loss of independence and loneliness which can all affect mental health and general health.
TheWorld Health Organization is supporting governments to narrow downthe service gap for mental health, particularly in resource poor settings.
More research onthe biological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults is needed.
Mental Health can be maintained through promoting a healthy lifestyle.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MtShupxirCw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
