In the 1900s, Alois Alzheimer laid the foundations for research and exploration in the field of mental health of older adults [National Institute on Ageing, 2023]. He published the first case of “presenile dementia”, a disease which would later bear his namesake. At the time, mental illness in the elderly was widely perceived as degenerative and untreatable, diverting attention from effective interventions. It was not until the 1940s that Sir Martin Roth challenged this notion, demonstrating that not all mental health issues in old age shared the same bleak prognosis and successful treatment was possible [Ames et al., 2022]. Subsequently, pioneers such as Tom Arie, often thought to be one of the founding fathers of old age psychiatry, Robert Butler, Gene Cohen and Margaret Gatz played crucial roles in advancing research and treatment for mental health in older adults. They introduced concepts such as ageism, positive ageing, and a deeper understanding of environmental and genetic influences on the mental well-being of older adults.

Contemporary approaches to old age psychiatry underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex challenges faced by older adults experiencing mental illness, especially given the fact that elderly are more likely to experience physical symptoms of psychiatric disorders compared to younger adults [Semple & Smyth, 2013]. Unfortunately, a marked disparity in the care of older adults persists, especially in countries without universal health and social care [Ames et al., 2022]. This highlights the ongoing importance of addressing systemic differences to ensure comprehensive and equitable care for older individuals worldwide.

Over 16% of older adults suffer from a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common [The World Health Organisation, 2023]. However, mental health conditions in older adults are often underreported and the stigma surrounding mental illness discourages many from seeking appropriate treatment. Older adults also contend with a number of long-term chronic physical health and neurodegenerative conditions which significantly impact their quality of life.