Status and requirements of geriatric mental health services in India: An evidence-based commentary

Abstract

In view of appreciable improvements in health care services in India, the longevity and life expectancy have almost doubled. As a result, there is significant demographic transition, and the population of older adults in the country is growing rapidly. Epidemiological surveys have revealed enormous mental health morbidity in older adults (aged 60 years and above) and have necessitated immediate need for the development of mental health services in India. The present population of older adults was used to calculate psychiatric morbidity based on the reported epidemiological data. The demographic and social changes, health care planning, available mental health care services and morbidity data were critically examined and analyzed. The service gap was calculated on the basis of available norms for the country vis-à-vis average mental health morbidity. Data from a recent epidemiological study indicated an average of 20.5% mental health morbidity in older adults. Accordingly, it was found that, at present, 17.13 million older adults (total population, 83.58 millions) are suffering from mental health problems in India. A differing, but in many aspects similar, picture emerged with regard to human resource and infrastructural requirements based on the two norms for the country to meet the challenges posed by psychiatrically ill older adults. A running commentary has been provided based on the available evidences and strategic options have been outlined to meet the requirements and minimize the gap. There is an urgent need to develop the subject and geriatric mental health care services in India.

Health and associated social problems of elderly population in an urban setting: a study from Kolkata, India

“…But in any system health care for older adults was not categorized significantly and both physical and mental health care continued to be provided as for adults. 4 But the special health and economic issues of the elderly differ from those of the general population. 5 The elderly people in this country usually suffer from two types of health problems, one is medical and another is psychosocial.…”

Centenarians in India: the present scenario

“…But in any system health care for older adults was not categorized significantly and both physical and mental health care continued to be provided as for adults. 22 Growing numbers of centenarians will put new and increasing demands on the health care system in India. There are around 50 physicians per 100,000 Indians, which are much less than the required number.…”

The Indian concepts of lifestyle and mental health in old age

“…[22] Mental illnesses in old age are very common than other age groups; one fifth of the older adults (20.5%) are suffering from one or other mental illnesses. [23] Therefore, to understand mental-health in old age, one should be aware of lifestyle aspects as well as familiar with ancient Indian perspective in addition to clinical abilities. Traditional beliefs and values are still transferred by one generation to other generation; which affect the clinical presentation of mental illnesses and their management.…”