UK population aging, people living with neurodegenerative conditions: Study

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – A recent study by the Center for Mental Health shed light on the marginalized state of mental health care for older individuals in England, warning that the UK population is aging, and people are living with physical and neurodegenerative conditions.

It also said: "There is a pressing need to tackle ageist assumptions and expectations about mental health in later life."

The research also said entrenched ageist attitudes and systemic neglect have left the mental well-being of seniors on the fringes of policy and practice for decades.

It also noted older people face discrimination and are routinely excluded from essential mental health services.

"At both individual and systemic levels, ageism undermines the provision of vital mental health care services for older adults," the study highlighted.

"NHS Talking Therapies have higher than average recovery rates among the over-65s than any other age group. Despite this, older people are still less likely to be offered talking therapies," it added.

Compounding the issue is the absence of a national strategy tailored to address the mental health needs of the aging population, it warned. "There is no national plan or blueprint for mental health support in later life. As the population ages, this is becoming more urgent."