Depression affects between 15 and 20 percent of older adults in Mexico, a proportion that is more than double the global rate, which stands at 7 percent, according to specialists based on figures from the National Institute of Older Adults (Inapam). Official data estimates that by 2050 in Mexico, there will be more than 3.5 million people affected by dementia, a higher prevalence than in Europe or other countries in North America.
Doctor Luis Miguel Gutiérrez, who was the director and founder of the National Institute of Geriatrics (2009-2022), mentioned that a relevant issue among older people is suicide. Gutiérrez attributed these problems to neurobiological factors in the Mexican population and the context that affects behavior, daily life, and stress. He also pointed out possible risk factors such as age discrimination, marginalization, poverty, and retirement without adequate compensation.
In Mexico, by 2024, there were only 1,062 certified geriatricians, which means that each specialist must care for more than 15,000 older adults. Given this shortage of medical resources, the government and organizations like Koltin, which provides medical coverage for older adults, are working to improve care. For example, the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum has initiated a "house-to-house" census to provide medical attention to older adults in their homes, while Koltin offers the first medical insurance focused on older adults.
Geriatrician Areli Pérez Carrizosa from the Koltin team warned that many older people do not receive treatment for depression because it is mistakenly believed to be a natural part of aging. She also mentioned that there is a strong stigma contributing to older adults not using mental health services due to discomfort speaking about their problems with an expert.
In light of this situation, geriatrician Gutiérrez suggested that the focus should be on prevention in terms of mental health, as both dementia and depressive states can be prevented.
