Calls Mount for improved Mental Healthcare Access for Seniors
Stockholm, Sweden – September 2, 2025 - Experts are urging a systemic overhaul of primary care to better identify and treat mental illness in the elderly, citing a critical gap in access to vital psychological support and psychotherapy.A recent report underscores the need for increased resources, specialized training, and a focus on continuity of care within health centers to address the growing mental health needs of Sweden’s aging population.
The issue is gaining prominence as the number of seniors experiencing mental health challenges rises. Delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options can substantially diminish quality of life, increase healthcare costs, and exacerbate existing health conditions. Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdottir, a key contributor to the report, emphasized the necessity of proactive intervention. “Primary care needs to be organized so that there is time, competence and continuity to capture mental illness in older people at an early stage and space to offer different treatment options as needed,” Gunnarsdottir stated.
The call for action comes as healthcare professionals grapple with the complexities of diagnosing and treating mental health issues in older adults, where symptoms can often be masked by physical ailments or attributed to the natural aging process. improved training for primary care physicians and increased availability of specialized mental health services within health centers are seen as crucial steps toward bridging this gap. Jan Arleij reported on these developments for Senioren.se on September 2, 2025.
