Factors contributing to the mental wellbeing of community-dwelling older adults: A qualitative study from the Vancouver West End

Abstract Background For the first time in Canada, the population of people over the age of 65 exceeds those under 15 years old. With the aging of our population, there is a growing urgency to improve the mental wellbeing of the older adult population in Canada. It is important to understand the factors that affect the mental wellbeing of the diverse population of older adults to create interventions or services that will best address their unique needs. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with older adults from the Downtown West End of Vancouver, a highly diverse neighbourhood with various sub-populations that experience marginalization, to explore factors that contribute to their mental wellbeing. Four main topics were discussed: (a) perceived (self-reported) mental health, (b) contributors to good mental health, (c) access to mental health services, and (d) future mental health interventions. Results Our findings generated four overarching themes that contribute to the mental wellbeing of the population: 1) having a sense of stability over personal circumstances, 2) being able to do, 3) positively impacting others, and 4) feeling a sense of belonging. Conclusion The themes that were captured in this study can allow community-based and health organisations to build interventions or services that target the mental health concerns of diverse CDOA in Canada and beyond. Additionally, the results can be used to aid future researchers in developing interventions and services that put the mental health needs of older adults at the center of creation and design.