Beyond silence: Addressing mental health challenges and hopeful pathways for older adults

Abstract

In this editorial, I comment on the article conducted by Yang and Woo. Mental health in older adults remains underserved and underexamined, with final decades shaped by cumulative life stressors, chronic conditions, and social determinants that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In this study, I would like to synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, presentation, and trajectories of mental health concerns among older adults, highlighting common challenges such as late-life depression, anxiety, cognitive concerns, and underutilization of care. I am going to examine barriers to outreach and treatment, including stigma, cultural and linguistic mismatches, access limitations, and gaps in geriatric mental health services. The analysis in the paper identifies promising pathways to improve outcomes: Community-engaged interventions, culturally tailored care models, integration of mental health with primary and geriatric care, and policy reforms to expand coverage and reduce disparities. As a conclusion, with actionable recommendations for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and community organizations to break the silence, enhance early detection, and foster resilient aging through equitable, person-centered approaches.

Keywords: Mental health; Older adults; Challenge; Stigma; Pathways

Core Tip: The current understanding of geriatric mental health recognizes well-being as the outcome of multiple intersecting social determinants economic, cultural, familial, and systemic factors rather than a single cause. Recognizing the lived experiences of marginalized groups, such as Asian American older adults, draws attention to disparities in prevalence, symptomatology, and access to mental health care. Focusing on stigma, language barriers, and health literacy highlights tangible obstacles to seeking help and adhering to care, which are frequently underemphasized in clinical conversations.