Problems of an Ageing Population

Abstract

An increase in the total incidence of mental disorder, and of affective psychosis and the organic psychoses of the aged in particular, may be one of the consequences of ageing of the population. Although less than 5% of people over 65 are in institutions and special homes, the health and welfare services in many areas are already showing signs of strain. Some possible approaches to the problem are discussed. The foundations of physical and mental well-being in old age—so far as they can be influenced—are laid in the early and middle years. Fostering health, adjustment, interests, and outlets well in advance of old age, mitigating loneliness and desolation, helping where possible to conserve family ties, and imaginative planning and community development with an eye to human needs—all have something to contribute. The long-term effects of diseases and major surgical procedures upon the pattern of ageing need to be considered and investigated. Effective remedies are now at our disposal for some mental disorders formerly attributed to “ageing,” but their full utilization is impeded by the difficulties of locating depressed, sick, and infirm old people at an early stage of illness. The association between physical and mental health is particularly close in senescence; and integration of psychiatric and medical services, as also of the various agencies concerned in providing them in hospital and in the community, is essential. The expected rise in invalidism consequent upon ageing of the population may be offset for some time ahead by medical and social progress. © 1960, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.