Mental Health in Later Life: Psychosocial Determinants, Care Needs and Intervention Strategies
A Special Issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032) belonging to the section "Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-being".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 February 2027 | Viewed by 1839
Editors
2. ISSSP, Higher Institute of Social Work of Porto, Av. Dr. Manuel Teixeira Ruela 370, 4460-362 Senhora da Hora, Portugal
3. RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
Interests: psychogerontology; mental disorders; dementia; delirium; depression; clinical and health psychology; validation studies; family/caregivers and psychoeducational interventions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
Interests: elderly and dementia; Alzheimer disease; chronical disease; well-being; quality of life; spirituality; mindfulness; burnout and mobbing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. CLISSIS, Lusíada Research Center on Social Work and Social Intervention, University of Lusíada, Rua da Junqueira, 188-198, 1349-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: gerontology; social work; active aging; ageing in place; loneliness and social isolation; caregiver well-being; social intervention; social policies; retirement
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Several biopsychosocial changes occur that can contribute to an increased risk of developing mental health problems in older people advancing in age, such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and emotional distress, often influenced by social factors such as loneliness, social isolation, and the loss of meaningful relationships. In addition, age-related transitions, chronic health conditions, frailty, and functional limitations can further contribute to increasing this vulnerability.
According to the WHO, it is estimated that approximately 14.1% of adults aged 70 or older live with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. These challenges not only affect older people themselves but also have a significant impact on their families and caregivers, who often suffer from significant emotional burden.
In this context, the mental health and psychosocial care needs of older adults are becoming increasingly crucial. However, mental health disorders are often neglected and underrecognized, and the stigma surrounding these conditions can make older people and their families reluctant to seek help. At the same time, caregivers may lack the information and support necessary to adequately respond to the complex needs of these older adults.
To address these needs, it is fundamental to implement comprehensive, person-centered, and multidisciplinary psychosocial care models that actively involve families and caregivers as partners in care and equally consider their own needs. These care models should also be based on promoting mental health, preventing and identifying mental health problems early, addressing structural barriers and the stigma associated with mental illness, and addressing ageism, thus ensuring accessibility, continuity of care, and equity in the provision of appropriate social and health services to older adults with mental health problems.
Overall, this Special Issue aims to publish articles that significantly contribute to knowledge about mental health in older adults and their caregivers, as well as psychosocial interventions. Topics that will be of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aging and mental health;
- Mental health disorders;
- Neurocognitive disorders;
- Mental health stigma and ageism;
- Psychological and social determinants of mental health;
- Social isolation and loneliness;
- Social and family support;
- Mental health promotion;
- Prevention in mental health;
- Psychosocial assessment;
- Psychosocial interventions;
- Caregivers and mental health;
- Mental health in community social institutions.
Authors are invited to submit original research, reviews, brief research reports, case reports, and clinical trials that align with the themes of this Special Issue. A range of methodologies is welcomed, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and review methodologies.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Sonia Martins
Dr. Sara Lima
Guest Editors
Dr. Joana Guedes
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- aging
- mental health
- mental health disorders
- psychological and social determinants of mental health
- promotion and prevention in mental health
- psychosocial interventions
- stigma and ageism
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