Mental health promotion in the elderly in Slovenian local communities

ISSUE/PROBLEM: Key issues in the elderly's mental health are: growing trends in mental disorders (dementia, depression), social exclusion with consequent lack of information, awareness and poorer access to prevention and assistance programs, discrimination, and high risk of poverty after retirement (especially in women). The public health challenge is to cope with these issues, as the share of the elderly population rapidly increases, also across European countries. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: According to the Resolution of the National Mental Health Program 2018-2028, and Action Plan 2021-2023, an interdisciplinary working group for mental health promotion among the elderly was established. Basic goals were prepared through regular meetings: adequately providing necessary information for the target population and enabling better networking of key actors in the field of mental health, including cooperation with existing networks. Specific activities ( >>Open hours for elderly << and >>Longevity society fairs <<) were implemented in the local communities. RESULTS: Twenty-one events, broadly promoted in the local communities, were realized. Different stakeholders were supported with developed materials (brochures, leaflets). A national conference on decreasing loneliness and social exclusion in the elderly was organized. LESSONS: Supportive environment for the empowerment of key actors and their continuous cooperation, could improve information flow, competencies, and inclusion of the target population in the local community and consequently decrease stigma. Despite pandemic measures, activities were realized, as recognized to be necessary. Regular financial support of less developed communities is a precondition for preventing inequities between communities. KEY MESSAGES: • A sensitized, empowered, connected, proactive and supported local community is a key for improving elderly's quality of life. • A connected and empowered local community is a precondition to prevent further stigmatization of the elderly.