Across Europe the contribution that older people make to family, community and society as a
whole is being warmly embraced. New opportunities for older people continue to emerge as
long-held ageist assumptions about capacity and capability are challenged and overcome at
the Member State level. The life knowledge held by older people is a source of wisdom and
instrumental to shaping personal, family and community identity.
The majority of older people enjoy good mental health and well-being that translate into
increased quality of life, satisfaction and contributions to society. However, some groups of
older people show high prevalence of neuropsychiatric conditions, which include dementia,
with associated health and welfare costs.
As the number of older people in Europe is growing, so will mental health problems. This
demographic change will have implications on public health and social systems, labour
markets and public finances across the EU.
Efforts need to be increased to enable more people to grow old with good mental health and
well-being, prevent possible mental health problems, and make provisions to guarantee
access to high quality treatment and care for those suffering from a mental disorder.