Mentally Healthy Aging A Report on Overcoming Stigma for Older Americans

 

Executive Summary

In American society, where youth is highly valued, growing old and experiencing a mental illness at the same time can impose barriers to getting better and living a valued and productive life because

“It is estimated that by 2030, more than 15 million older adults will suffer a mental illness. That is nearly double the current number.” —Jeste, Alexopoulus, Bartels, et al., 1999

society, institutions, and individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, stigmatize and discriminate against older adults with mental illnesses.

In 2003 and 2004, SAMHSA convened two roundtables of mental health services consumers, researchers, older adults, media representatives, grant writers, advocates, and practitioners. In the roundtables the participants discussed four topics:

• Research findings on older adults and mental health

• Manifestations of stigma and discrimination

• Barriers to eliminating stigma

• Strategies to overcome the barriers.

The results of their discussions are presented in this report.