Strengthen older adults’ mental health – International Day of Older Persons

Mental health among older adults – a growing societal challenge

Mental ill health is not only an issue among younger people, it is also common among older adults. However, it is often detected late or not at all. This is partly because symptoms are sometimes seen as a natural part of ageing, and partly because many older people do not seek help for depressive symptoms. A study by the Swedish Public Health Agency shows that approximately one in three women and one in five men over the age of 77 report experiencing anxiety.

Many older adults struggle with loneliness, worry and depression, often linked to the loss of a partner or reduced social contact. Physical health issues and reduced functional ability also contribute. In addition, older people receive specialised psychiatric care to a lesser extent than younger groups and are more often offered medical treatment rather than conversation based support.

Safety as a foundation for well being

When older adults do not feel safe in their daily lives, it can lead to social isolation and reduced quality of life. A sense of safety is therefore crucial for mental well being. Feeling confident enough to leave the home, take walks or participate in activities without fear of getting lost or being unable to get help after a fall creates greater freedom and strengthens self confidence.

MiniFinder’s mobile personal alarm – innovation for quality of life

MiniFinder offers mobile personal alarms developed with the needs of older adults in mind. These devices make it possible to:

• Send an alert when needed with a simple press of a button, alerts are sent to relatives or care staff
• See the user’s location in real time, making it easier to provide quick assistance
• Fall detection, automatically identifying falls or unusual movement patterns and sending an alert
• Strengthen independence, knowing that help is always close at hand encourages a more active life

By combining safety with freedom, technical solutions like MiniFinder’s personal alarms can help reduce mental ill health among older adults.

An international day as a reminder

The International Day of Older Persons on October 1 is not only a day to honour older people, but also a reminder that society must continue to develop solutions that strengthen both physical and mental health. Technology can never replace human care and presence, but it can be a powerful complement that creates everyday safety.

With MiniFinder, older people are supported in living a more independent, safe and meaningful life.