Today is World Mental Wellness Day! October 10th is World Mental Wellness day and this year has been dubbed “a day to reflect on the mental health and wellbeing of older people around the world.” Today, the National Mental Wellness Centre hosts an all-day free clinic and mini health fair at their Coubaril grounds in Castries. According to the 2013 report by the World mental Health Federation, while many people live a long and happy life without any mental problems , mental health issues can have a high impact on an older person’s ability to carry out basic activities. In fact, it is estimated that by 2050, the world population over 60 is expected to be over 2 billion. The World Federation for Mental Health notes that there are many mental disorders in older persons, but the most popular includes Dementia, Alzheimers, Depression, Grief and Anxiety. Depression is the most prevalent mental health issue among older persons and often is not recognized by individuals as a form of mental illness. So impactful is depression, that it can also affect the treatment of other chronic illnesses. This means that caregivers must pay closer attention to preventing social isolation and loneliness. The National Mental Wellness Centre is promoting the global movement towards “successful ageing” and a model of care aimed at maximizing health, wellbeing, functional capacity and social participation in old age. To that end, the Centre has personified the principles of integrated care which seeks to apply prevention, comprehensive medical and social assessments and advocacy. The NMWC also encourages persons to develop lifestyles that redound to the long term health of their minds and bodies.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:54:38 +0000