Page 35 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

How to strengthen the mental health of elderly citizens in the slovenian
area?

1
Olivera Stanojević Jerković , Suzana Oreški 2
1 National Institute of Public Health, Maribor, Slovenia
2 National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Introduction and purpose: The elderly are a distinctly heterogeneous group; they have
big differences in dealing with various challenges. With lower health (and digital) lit-
eracy and higher social exclusion and loneliness, there is also stigma and discrimina-
tion and a high risk of poverty after retirement. Mental health is threatened by the si-
lent epidemic of dementia, the rise of depressive disorder and violence. Although the
need for long-term care and the shortage of personnel for the elderly population are
still at the forefront of politics and the public, it is essential to emphasize the protec-
tive factors of mental health and the positive aspects of aging and the elderly, which
will improve their motivation for inclusion, and thus better accessibility to assistance
programs.
Content presentation: within the Mental Health Action Plan (National Programme for
Mental Health 2018-2028), at the initiative of the Interdisciplinary Working Group
(IWG), we held events in the local community: “Open Door Day for Seniors” and
“Longevity Society Fair”. We prepared a report on the activities carried out as an in-
centive to those involved and other municipalities. Materials for the lay and profes-
sional population were prepared and widely disseminated. The National Conference
indicated further activities based on the needs of the elderly. The Action plan for the
period 2024-2028 (while strengthening the IWG with new members) foresees a more
intensive incentive for the proactive work of local communities and the creation of
binding strategies of municipal councils, further intensive information and awareness
of the elderly through professional and social events, and the establishment of acces-
sible info-spots. Within IWG, we will support the strengthening of the competencies
of the lay and professional public in the field of mental health, as well as the integration
of key stakeholders, prepare a set of examples of good practice from Slovenian munic-
ipalities and abroad, and contribute to the destigmatization campaign adapted to the
elderly population. The involvement of the elderly will also be encouraged with fresh,
modern approaches (prescribing culture, participation of libraries, ambassadors...). duševno zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | mental health of working-age and older adults
Conclusions: Considering the deterioration of mental health indicators of the elder-
ly and the current experience and emphasis of the experts, we need customized ac-
tion plans that will be more inclusive and connect all key target groups: senior citizens,
key stakeholders, a proactive and empowered local community and a more sensitized
general public about the needs of the elderly. The IWG for mental health promotion
in older adults close connection with existing networks, can be a sustainable broader
platform for the preparation of proposals for action, as the conditions for better men-
tal health of the elderly are placed in various sectors of society, both at the local as at
the national level.
Keywords: elderly, mental health promotion, action plan

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