Later Life

Older people represent a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill. More of us are living longer than ever before and positive mental health is crucial to staying well and active in later life just as it is at other times. While illnesses such as depression and dementia do increase with age, with the right help and treatment even these problems can be turned around or delayed. Challenging attitudes and raising expectations about health in later life will also help to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our older population. This is why mental health in later life is one of our six priority areas.

The National Programme supports work to increase understanding of the mental health needs of older people, to improve services and build communities that help people stay well and active for longer.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Later Life Programme:

The programme oversees project, policy and research work aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of our older population. Full details

Later Life projects:

24hr Dementia Helpline – 0808 808 3000

Run by Alzheimer Scotland and supported by the National Programme, the helpline is for people with Dementia:
Dementia is the name given to a range of symptoms brought on by a number of diseases and conditions including Alzheimers Disease and Stroke. Symptoms can include…
dementia, carers, relatives and anyone concerned about dementia.

Raising Awareness of Dementia

The National Programme supports Alzheimer Scotland's ongoing campaign to raise awareness about dementia. For more information contact Alzheimer Scotland.

New local projects

Read about Later Life Small Projects Award Scheme winners in Banff, Cumbernauld, Edinburgh, Greenock, Haddington, Kirkwall, Leith and Unst. Full details

Later Life News and Events:

Latest National Programme News and Events

Later Life Research:

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Later Life – Older People's Perceptions

Health Scotland report on the views and opinions of older people.

wellbeing-book.pdf [962.14Kb]

Enquiry into Mental Health and Wellbeing in Later Life

The National Programme, Health Scotland and the Older People's Unit are working in partnership to assist this UK-wide research. Visit the Enquiry's web pages...