Recent research sheds light on the mental health landscape for those aged 60 and older, revealing that between 5 to 10 percent of this demographic report significant mental illnesses. Notably, the rates of loneliness have substantially decreased—from 45 percent in the 1980s to less than 30 percent today. In fact, many elderly individuals express high levels of life satisfaction, according to Thomas Hansen, a researcher at the Institute of Public Health.
This insightful report, commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Care Services, delves into the mental health and quality of life of homebound individuals aged 60 and above in Norway. It serves as a critical component of the government’s mental health escalation plan for 2023-2033 and the initiative to support safe living at home. The findings will equip policymakers with a solid knowledge base to guide their efforts aimed at improving the lives of the elderly.
Mental Health Trends: A Promising Outlook
The report reveals that mental health challenges are less common among seniors than among younger adults. Within the 60-79 age group, 5 to 12 percent of women and 3 to 6 percent of men report mental health issues characterized by symptoms of anxiety and depression. The situation is slightly more concerning for those over 80, particularly among individuals living alone or dealing with health issues.
Depressive symptoms affect 6 to 10 percent of those between 60 and 79, with notably higher rates in individuals aged over 80. Encouragingly, the prevalence of mental health issues among seniors has significantly declined over the past 25 years, especially among younger seniors and women.
When it comes to anxiety, women aged 60-79 report rates of 16 to 18 percent, compared to 8 to 11 percent for men. These figures have remained stable since 1995, contrasting sharply with the rising anxiety levels observed in younger populations.
Loneliness and Quality of Life: The Complex Reality
Loneliness remains a concern, with one in four individuals aged 60-79 and one in three over 80 experiencing it. Most report only mild feelings of loneliness, with a mere 6-7 percent indicating they feel “much” loneliness. Those most affected tend to be women, single individuals, and those in poor health.
“While the overall percentage of elderly feeling lonely has decreased, the total number of those experiencing severe loneliness could potentially double by 2050 due to the growing elderly population,” cautions Thomas Hansen.
Despite these issues, overall quality of life for seniors remains strong. Many report high life satisfaction and derive a sense of meaning and positive emotions. However, a noticeable dip in quality of life is evident in the oldest age brackets, particularly among women over 90. Compared to their counterparts worldwide, Norwegian seniors fare well in terms of mental health, loneliness, and overall quality of life.
Insights from the Report
This comprehensive note is anchored in systematic literature reviews, professional insights, and meticulous analyses of national population surveys including HUNT, the Tromsø Study, Fhus, and Stats Norway’s living conditions assessments. It focuses on homebound seniors, particularly highlighting the distinctions between younger older adults (aged 60-79) and those 80 and over. The report includes both register and self-reported data, rigorously evaluating data quality and representativeness.
On October 15, Thomas Hansen will present the findings at the Public Health Conference event titled “Elderly, Mental Health, and Loneliness—What Can Municipalities Do?”