Non Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Geriatric Mental Health Challenges in India: A Systematic Review

Background: Geriatrics make up the majority of India's population, creating a range of difficulties in care and therapy. Numerous mental health issues are faced by the geriatric population in India affecting the older population in India, which can have a negative influence on their quality of life and raise healthcare expenditures. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that the older population in India is unaware of and stigmatized by mental health disorders Objective: To determine non-pharmacological interventions to reduce geriatric mental health challenges in India. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on the platforms like PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases in order to identify studies in the English language which were published between May 2018 and May 2023. The study specifically focused on randomized controlled trials that assessed non-pharmacological interventions for geriatric mental health issues, with a target population of individuals aged 60 and above. In the study, primary data sources were online databases, and the search was restricted to the last five years and these review articles were manually screened for additional relevant studies. Results: 18 articles were finalized at the end using a PRISMA flow chart and interpreted results supporting that non-pharmacological practices like yoga, meditation, and exercise have been proven to have positive effects on the mental health of older people. The interventions mentioned in the study improve cognitive performance, reduce anxiety and sadness, and enhance mood and memory and also lowers the risk of dementia and age-related cognitive decline, leading to a higher quality of life for seniors. Conclusion: The systematic review identified effective interventions like cognitive training, exercise, music therapy, and lay counselor interventions. Community-based implementation and expanding geriatric mental health services are recommended to improve the well-being of older adults in India.