It's ageism: How mental health in later life is ignored and overshadowed and why it's time to change this.

This article focuses on the systemic overshadowing of mental health in later life in the UK and explores ways to address it. Despite older adults (aged over 65) generally having lower rates of depression and anxiety than younger groups, about one in ten still experience common mental health problems, with significant inequalities among subgroups. Research by the Centre for Mental Health and Age UK highlights that ageist assumptions within health and care systems contribute to the invisibility of mental health needs in later life, resulting in low referral rates and inadequate policy attention, including in the 10-Year Health Plan for England. The article calls for improved prevention, age-appropriate services, workforce training, inclusive economic models, and coordinated efforts across sectors to better support the mental health of older adults while challenging ageism at all levels.