Addressing mental health neglect among older adults in Nigeria through policy and social reform

Nigeria is experiencing a demographic shift marked by a growing ageing population, yet the mental health needs of older adults remain critically neglected. This review examines the cultural, social, and systemic factors contributing to the widespread underdiagnosis and undertreatment of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and dementia among older Nigerians. Cultural stigma, ageist beliefs, and spiritual interpretations of mental illness contribute to silence and delay in help-seeking, while the erosion of traditional family caregiving systems has exacerbated social isolation and elder abuse. Nigeria’s health system, with limited geriatric mental health services and a shortage of trained professionals, is ill-equipped to respond to this growing challenge. Moreover,routine data systems lack age-disaggregated indicators, impeding policy planning and resource allocation. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature and international case studies from South Africa, India, Brazil, and other countries, this review identifies scalable models and strategies that can inform a Nigerian response. These include community-based care, non-contributory pension schemes, integration of mental health into primary care, and legal protections for older persons. The paper concludes with policy and practice recommendations spanning healthcare, social protection, legal reform, and public education. Key priorities include expanding geriatric mental health training, integrating services at the primary care level, addressing social determinants through economic support, and dismantling stigma via culturally grounded campaigns. Addressing the mental health neglect of older Nigerians is both a public health imperative and a human rights concern. As Nigeria enters an era of accelerated population ageing, sustained investment, multisectoral coordination, and inclusive policy implementation will be essential to safeguard the mental well-being and dignity of its older citizens.