Mental health and aging: an examination of biopsychosocial determinants of change

Promoting the mental health of older Canadians remains an important priority for supporting an aging population. Existing evidence makes it clear that the mental health status of older adults is impacted by many factors, requiring a biopsychosocial approach. Research suggests that there are associations between mental health and minority stress, cognitive status, and mobility indicators. For example, members of sexual minority communities show poorer mental health outcomes in comparison to heterosexual peers, stemming from experiences of stigma and discrimination. Other work suggests that changes in cognition and mobility are linked to adverse mental health outcomes. The present project will examine changes in mental health over time, and examine the contribution of biopsychosocial factors, emphasizing minority stress, cognition, and mobility. This work will provide a more complete portrait of mental health and aging to inform mental health services.