Impact of Ageing on Mental Health and Well-being

There has been a sharp population ageing over the last decades, which is expected to continue. Demographic trends bring great challenges to society as a whole, given the relationship between deterioration of physical and mental health, quality of life, ageing and the societal problems, such as financial limitations or reduced social support, in the people who age. The causes of mental disorders and the determinants of positive mental health and well-being are elusive; what accounts for success and failure of preventive and therapeutic responses is not always clear. To face this challenge, it is important to highlight that not only is the ageing process responsible for the high burden and impact of mental disorders, but also that other external factors, as stressors. financial problems, etc. impact on this population.

The aim of the meeting organized jointly by B·Debate and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu is to promote international collaboration and guide future research and policies. The following topics will be discussed: factors involved in mental health and wellbeing in aging population, prevention and management strategies to improve the quality of life and the economic and social burden with regard to the elderly people.

The debate will bring together experienced health professionals, influential thinkers, researchers and stakeholders (users, policy makers and industry experts). Population ageing is a challenge that requires a multidisciplinary approach to research and knowledge transfer. Hence, the meeting will include professionals from a wide range of areas of health and ageing-related areas: psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, public health, epidemiology, health policies, psychology, pharmacy, internal medicine, social policies, nutrition, research, and aged organizations.