According to a new study released by the United States Census Bureau, the proportion of the world’s population comprised of people who are 65-years or older will double in the next 30 years.
The study, released in July, said that the 65-plus population will grow from 7 percent to 14 percent by 2040 – from 506 million to 1.3 billion people.
In the United States, the growth in this population will be more rapid according to the study, doubling over the next 20 years and going from 13 percent of the population to 20 percent.
According to the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), about 20 percent of older adults have a diagnosable mental or substance use disorder. This increases to over 50 percent by age 85.
MHA-NYC is advocating for the incremental development of a comprehensive, community-based mental health service system in New York, according to Michael Friedman, Director of their Center for Policy and Advocacy.
He fears that, “Most of these people will never get mental health care, with the result that many will suffer unnecessarily and most, who also have chronic physical illnesses, will have increased risks of disability and premature mortality,” according to a statement released recently.
More on MHA-NYC’s campaign to minimize the stigma of mental illness, and help children and adults lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, can be found at www.mhaofnyc.org.
