Supporting Older Adults’ Mental Health: Using principles and values to promote best practice

The following principles and values are intended to guide the development of policies, programs, and services that promote and support the mental health of older adults, as well as programs and services for older adults who are living with mental health problems and illnesses. These principles and values are informed by the Seniors Mental Health Policy Lens and are fully integrated within the Guidelines for Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Older Adults in Canada.

The principles and values:
• are based on the lived experience of diverse older adults and their families, as well as from evidence, literature reviews, and from consultations with key stakeholders from across Canada.
• must be used collectively, as each is significant in promoting the mental health and well-being of older adults.

This tool should be used to support planning and implementation of the recommendations made in the Guidelines for Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Older Adults in Canada.