The sustained increase in life expectancy in modern societies poses the challenge of guaranteeing the quality of life and healthy ageing. Bearing in mind that the proportion of people over 60 years of age could double in the coming decades, it seems a priority to identify the main factors that could contribute to improving the quality of life and mental health of this population group. Quality of life is a multidimensional construct made up of multiple factors, including physical and mental health, social relationships, or economic resources. The identification and provision of supports necessary to improve the quality of life of older people is a complex process that requires rigorous investigation.
Mental health problems are common in older people and have an important influence on their quality of life. Social support plays an important protective factor against loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline. Although scientific production in this area is increasing, it is necessary to develop reliable assessment instruments as well as to design and apply evidence-based intervention strategies, policies and practices. This Topic Collection is intended to discuss the role of assessment, context, supports, and the mental health status and quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, we call for manuscripts addressed promoting quality of life-related personal outcomes and enhancing the quality of life and equality for elderly people.
We welcome studies (reviews, original research, metanalyses) on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Quality of life and mental health assessment
- Mental health care and social services
- Policies and programs
- Institutional care versus home care for the elderly
- Social care
- Mental health-promoting interventions
- Chronic disease
- Psychological distress
- Environmental variables (attitudes, opportunities, accessibility, type of services, culture, rights)
- Caregivers
- Daily functioning
We invite researchers to send their works (such as empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical articles, methodological articles, or case studies) on the above-mentioned topics, to be considered for publication in this Topic Collection.
The sustained increase in life expectancy in modern societies poses the challenge of guaranteeing the quality of life and healthy ageing. Bearing in mind that the proportion of people over 60 years of age could double in the coming decades, it seems a priority to identify the main factors that could contribute to improving the quality of life and mental health of this population group. Quality of life is a multidimensional construct made up of multiple factors, including physical and mental health, social relationships, or economic resources. The identification and provision of supports necessary to improve the quality of life of older people is a complex process that requires rigorous investigation.
Mental health problems are common in older people and have an important influence on their quality of life. Social support plays an important protective factor against loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline. Although scientific production in this area is increasing, it is necessary to develop reliable assessment instruments as well as to design and apply evidence-based intervention strategies, policies and practices. This Topic Collection is intended to discuss the role of assessment, context, supports, and the mental health status and quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, we call for manuscripts addressed promoting quality of life-related personal outcomes and enhancing the quality of life and equality for elderly people.
We welcome studies (reviews, original research, metanalyses) on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Quality of life and mental health assessment
- Mental health care and social services
- Policies and programs
- Institutional care versus home care for the elderly
- Social care
- Mental health-promoting interventions
- Chronic disease
- Psychological distress
- Environmental variables (attitudes, opportunities, accessibility, type of services, culture, rights)
- Caregivers
- Daily functioning
We invite researchers to send their works (such as empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical articles, methodological articles, or case studies) on the above-mentioned topics, to be considered for publication in this Topic Collection.
