Ageing gracefully with sound mental wellbeing: What you need to know

October is mental health awareness month around the world, and a good time to reflect on the importance of taking care of your mental wellbeing as you get older. But what is mental wellbeing?

A deeper look at mental wellbeing and mental disorders

"Mental wellbeing encompasses the way your thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact," says Dr Seranne Motilal, Discovery Vitality’s wellness clinician who specialises in mental health.

There might be a temporary change in your overall mental wellbeing when you go through tough times, like relocating, going into retirement, the death of a loved one or coping with the stress of a global pandemic. “During these more challenging times, it’s absolutely normal to feel down,” she says.

A mental disorder, on the other hand, is a biological condition that affects your thoughts, actions and behaviour and includes many types, including depression, anxiety disorders, dementia, bipolar disorder, and others.

"A mental disorder significantly affects how you'd interact with others, feel, think and behave," Dr Motilal explains. "Only a healthcare professional can diagnose conditions such as dementia or depression."

A rapidly ageing society might mean an increase in mental disorders

According to the World Health Organization, the global population of people over 60 will increase from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050.

Studies have found that around 15% of people over 60 have a mental disorder, while about 50 million people across the globe live with dementia. Of those living with dementia, about 60% live in low- and middle-income countries, meaning that they could have less access to the right care for their condition.

Dementia is a syndrome that affects a range of thinking and social symptoms, ultimately interfering with daily activities. Its symptoms include forgetfulness, affected judgement and limited social skills.

Aside from dementia affecting the older population, depression is diagnosed in around 1 in 10 people. Depression is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions largely because it takes place alongside other problems and may be missed.

"No matter how you look at it, taking care of your mental wellbeing is important at any age," Dr Motilal says. "And getting a sound diagnosis in the event that you have a mental disorder is imperative."

Live it up with Vitality 65+

Now you can learn everything you want to know about ageing healthily with Vitality 65+. Our experts will guide you with age appropriate workouts, additional health screenings and special benefits enhanced specifically to members 65 or older. We'll show you how to use the new enhancements and how to get the most out of your unique Vitality benefits.

Visit the Vitality 65+ Channel for exercise videos, healthy cooking demos and podcasts on how to stay mentally and physically healthy during COVID-19.