MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION FOR OLDER ADULTS

1. MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION FOR OLDER ADULTS Paola Ardiles HBSc, MHSc Project Manager, Education and Population Health pardiles@bcmhs.bc.ca October 25th, 2010

2. Concepts and Definitions Mental Health Promotion “The process of enhancing the capacity of individuals and communities to take control over their lives and improve their mental health. MHP uses strategies that foster supportive environments and individual resilience while showing respect for culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity”. (Health Canada, 1997)

3. Concepts and Definitions Mental Health Promotion • MHP aims to enhance mental health through approaches that are collaborative, participatory and empowering (Jane-Llopis, Barry et al., 2005) • MHP takes action to “ ensure social conditions and factors create positive environments for the good mental health and well-being of populations, communities and individuals” (Keleher & Armstrong 2006)

4. Goals of Mental Health Promotion Mental health promotion emphasizes two key concepts: power and resilience. Power is defined as a person’s, group’s or community’s sense of control over life and the ability to be resilient (Joubert & Raeburn, 1998). Building on one’s existing capacities can increase power and control. Resilience has been defined as “the ability to manage or cope with significant adversity or stress in ways that are not only effective, but may result in an increased ability to respond to future adversity” (Health Canada). GOALS 1. To increase resilience and protective factors 2. To decrease risk factors 3. To reduce inequities

5. Concepts and Definitions Mental Health Promotion: Determinants • Vic Health framework identified 3 overarching social and economic determinants of mental health: • SOCIAL INCLUSION • FREEDOM FROM VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION • ACCESS TO ECONOMIC RESOURCES AND PARTICIPATION • “MHP requires action to influence determinants of mental health and address inequities through the implementation of effective multi-level interventions across a wide number of sectors, policies, programs, settings, and environments” (Keleher & Armstrong 2006)

6. Best Practice Guidelines for MHP for Older Adults CAMH Knowledge Exchange http://knowledgex.camh.net/policy_health/mhpromotion/mhp_older_adults/Pages/default.aspx

7. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS

8. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS Contact: Paola Ardiles Project Manager, Education and Population Health BC Mental Health & Addiction Services PHSA Research & Networks 201-601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC  V5Z 4C2 Telephone: 604-707-6391 Fax: 604-707-6399 Email: pardiles@bcmhs.bc.ca P.Ardiles