Mental health is not something new to one’s culture, as mental health is not about culture–it’s about the person and how they feel. But in Filipino culture, known globally for its warmth, resilience, and hospitality, there’s a quiet stigma that still lingers in the background when it comes to mental health.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that causes irreversible damage to the nerve cells in the brain. It begins with mild memory loss and progresses to the inability to respond to the environment, carry on a conversation, and carry out daily activities. The risk of getting Alzheimer’s increases with age and usually affects individuals aged 60 or older. It is the 7th leading cause of death among US adults and the 6th leading cause of death among 65 years or older in 2022. 

A healthy physical and social environment supports healthy aging to promote the mental health of older adults. Social connection is important at this stage of life to improve positive mental health, life satisfaction, and quality of life. Social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of mental health problems in older adults. Interventions such as support groups, leisure, volunteer programs, and social skills training can reduce depressive symptoms.

In a report, it is estimated that one in eight older adults has a mental illness. Older adult females were likely to have mental illness in comparison to male older adults, who are more likely to have substance abuse. It is reported that only 46% of older adults with mental health illnesses received behavioral health treatment. The number of older adults with mental illness or disorder is expected to double by the year 2030 due to the large aging population.