Older Adults

Around 25% of older people living in the community have mental ill health which requires intervention; this rises to 40% amongst those in residential care [46]. These mental illnesses include depression, mild cognitive decline and dementia. It was estimated in 2014 in England, that the annual cost of caring for those with dementia was more than £26 billion per year [47]. 

The risk of mental illness amongst older people is not equal in our society, with the risk increasing amongst those in lower socioeconomic groups [46]. Factors that contribute to this accumulate over a lifetime and include low income, a working life of poorer quality employment, poorer quality housing, increased risk of poor health behaviours (smoking, drinking to excess and taking drugs, physical inactivity), long-term physical health conditions and social isolation. 

Those who are most socioeconomically disadvantaged are also least likely to have developed protective factors for depression and cognitive decline including physical exercise, being sociable, being a learner, being in employment or volunteering. 

There is evidence to suggest that these protective factors can be effective at delaying the onset of cognitive decline even if taken up later in life [46].