Geriatric Mental Health

Abstract

Geriatric mental disorder; Neurocognitive disorder DefinitionGeriatric mental health is the field of medicine that focuses on the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of mental disorders in older adults. OverviewWith the world's population aging rapidly, there is a greater focus on emotional wellbeing in the later stages of life. Older adults face unique challenges with regard to mental health. This age range experiences significant transitions in levels of independence and life roles, which can take a toll on emotional and mental health.With the advent of industrialization, along with urbanization and profound advances in medical technologies, the world has seen a significant increase in the geriatric population. During these later years, people experience significant changes, as well as challenges, in their life roles. Many older adults spend their later years productively: working jobs, raising children, engaging in hobbies, and contributing to the community at large. But others may face the challenge of not being able to do these things to the extent they could when they were younger. According to Erik Erickson's stages of psychosocial development, people of this age work through the stage "integrity versus despair," marked by reflection over life's accomplishments or regrets.