Introduction: Although many older adults are vulnerable to mental health challenges due to factors such as chronic illness, bereavement, and social isolation, experiencing mental health issues is not an inherent aspect of aging.
Aim: This policy brief explores findings from a secondary analysis of the Urban HEART-2 survey, which investigated mental health disparities among Tehran’s older population.
Material & Methods: This study conducted a secondary analysis of the Urban HEART-2 survey, a large-scale health assessment from 2011, which included a representative sample of 5,326 Tehran residents aged 60 and above. The study aimed to ensure broad demographic representation across the city using multistage, cluster sampling.
Results: Findings revealed that men generally reported better mental health, especially concerning anxiety, insomnia, and depression, with the Gini coefficient reflecting greater mental health equity among men than women. Socioeconomic disparities in mental health were evident through concentration indices, underscoring the role of social determinants in influencing mental health outcomes among older adults. However, these disparities did not significantly vary by gender.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing the social factors affecting mental health, such as income level and access to care. Effective policies must consider gender-specific mental health needs, enhance financial and healthcare resources for low-income older adults, and promote mental health awareness across all education levels to foster equitable health outcomes and improve the quality of life for Tehran's aging population.