Global Burden, Risk Factors, and Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The world’s older population is growing rapidly, and mental health conditions (notably depression and anxiety) are common in geriatric cohorts. A researcher conducted a structured literature review of recent evidence on prevalence, risk factors, and interventions for mental health in older adults (≈60+ years).

Methods: PubMed and related databases (up to early 2026) were systematically searched for original studies and reviews on “mental health”, “depression”, or “anxiety” in older adults. Inclusion criteria were population studies of community or clinical geriatric samples (no specific geography) published in the last 5–6 years. They recorded study design, location, sample (N and age), outcomes (mental health measures), findings, and limitations. The selection process is summarized in a PRISMA-style flow diagram. One extracted key data to create a comparison table of 8–10 exemplar studies.

Results: Worldwide, studies consistently report high rates of depression and anxiety among the elderly. Pooled community prevalence estimates are on the order of 10–20% for depression and 10–17% for anxiety. Rates tend to be higher in clinical settings (e.g., nursing homes) and in certain LMICs. Risk factors include chronic medical illness, disability, female gender, lower socioeconomic status, bereavement or living alone, and social isolation. A sampled cross-sectional study in Brazil (age ≥65 women) found that fear of falling and poor physical functioning predicted anxiety/depression. An Indian survey (mean age ≈68) found >50% prevalence of depression and anxiety, with significant associations for low education, lack of social support, and non-“elder-friendly” environment. Interventional research suggests that exercise and psychosocial support reduce depressive symptoms in seniors.

Conclusions: Mental health problems are highly prevalent in geriatric populations globally, driven by both individual and social risk factors. Despite heterogeneity, consistent findings highlight the need for routine screening and age-sensitive prevention (targeting isolation, multi-morbidity) in both low- and high-income settings. Future research should focus on interventions (physical, psychosocial) and policies (social support, poverty alleviation) to mitigate psychiatric morbidity in older adults.