From mental health perspective, elderly not only will require
care for chronic mental disorders which begin in younger age, but
also develop mental health problems which are specific to this age
group. Older people more often experience stressors like bereavement,
drop in financial resources with retirement, increase in
prevalence of chronic physical illnesses and overall disability.
Mental health problems are compounded by frail physical health
as these compromises with ability to live independently because of
chronic pain and limited mobility. All these factors contribute to
isolation, loneliness, dependency and psychological distress.
Further it is important to remember that poor mental health
and physical health can impact each other not only in terms of
prevalence, but in terms of participation and cooperation for
treatment and ultimately the overall outcome (WHO, 2013).