Mental health in later life

This briefing summarises evidence about the mental health of older people in England. It finds that ageist attitudes underpin a system that discriminates against older people, while fatalistic assumptions about what people can expect for their mental health in later life undermine the provision of effective support to promote wellbeing, prevent mental ill health, and treat mental health difficulties. The briefing finds that while older people may possess many protective factors for good mental health, they face numerous risk factors, including poorer physical health, reduced mobility and, for some, poverty and racism.