The silent priority: Why senior healthcare must include mental well-being

When conversations about ageing arise, the focus is usually on physical health — diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or hospital visits.

- SNIGDHA SOOD

These are important, but an equally urgent piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: mental well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be over 60, nearly 1.4 billion individuals. Among them, about 14% live with a diagnosable mental disorder, most of which remain undetected or untreated.

For India, this concern is even more pressing. Our elderly population is projected to cross 300 million by 2050. National reports suggest nearly 1 in 5 older adults struggle with some form of mental health issue. Common triggers include loneliness, grief after the loss of a partner, reduced independence, and the burden of chronic illness.

Older people commonly go through major life changes — retirement, physical health decline, or loss of beloved ones — which can influence emotional stability. According to NITI Aayog, almost 20% of Indian elderly people undergo at least one mental health issue.

The mind and body are deeply connected. Seniors with untreated depression or anxiety are more likely to develop or worsen chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. At the same time, living with long-term illness often increases the risk of poor mental health. For example, managing diabetes is far more difficult when depression drains motivation for diet, exercise, or medication. Ignoring one side of health creates incomplete care.

Holistic healthcare — where emotional support is woven into medical treatment — shows better recovery, greater resilience, and improved quality of life. Recognizing red flags like withdrawal from activities, persistent sadness, forgetfulness, or heightened anxiety can help families and caregivers seek timely intervention before issues spiral.