Psychiatric disorders in the elderly

Life expectancy has increased with improved living conditions, leading to a growing elderly population worldwide [1]. According to the United Nations, the number of elderly individuals is projected to reach approximately 1.968 billion by 2050 [2]. Estimates indicate that Iran’s elderly population will experience a more rapid growth rate than the global average starting in 2040. By 2045, the growth rate of the elderly population in Iran is expected to surpass the worldwide average and, five years later, exceed that of Asia [3]. Studies suggest that the increasing elderly population has shifted the prevalence of infectious diseases toward chronic illnesses [4]. This shift is particularly significant as aging brings physiological and psychological changes, leading to a higher incidence of chronic diseases [2].