When age meets mind understanding the changing landscape of elderly mental health

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-8038820/v1

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When age meets mind understanding the changing landscape of elderly mental health

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8038820/v1

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The rapid global increase in the elderly population has been accompanied by growing attention to mental health challenges in later life. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on mental health among the elderly, aiming to identify publication trends, thematic developments, and key contributors in the field. Data was retrieved from the Scopus database on May 10, 2023, using relevant keywords related to mental health and aging. A total of 1,912 documents from 741 sources published between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed using VOSViewer and Biblioshiny to map co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks. The results indicate a marked rise in publications during 2020–2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlight the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia as leading contributors. Thematic analysis identified five major clusters: aging and mental health, social factors, trauma and PTSD, geriatric resilience, and cognitive function. A noticeable shift was observed from traditional topics such as depression and quality of life toward more holistic, community-based, and resilience-oriented approaches. This study offers a clear overview of the evolving research landscape on elderly mental health and identifies gaps for future exploration, including mental health literacy, digital interventions, and cross-cultural care models. The findings provide a strategic roadmap for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and promote mental well-being in an aging global population.

Aging

Geriatric health

Mental health development

Elderly population

PTSD

The elderly population worldwide is currently increasing at a rapid pace. According to the world health organization report in 2017, both the number and proportion of individuals aged 60 and above within the population are on the rise. In 2019, the number of people aged 60 and above reached 1 billion. This number is projected to increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. This escalation is happening at an unprecedented rate and will continue to surge in the coming decades, particularly in developing countries. Along with the increasing elderly population, mental health issues frequently arise among the elderly. Recent research on mental health in the elderly is associated with the COVID-19 pandemic (Banerjee, 2020b; García-Fernández et al., 2020; Herdian & Qingrong, 2021; K. Lee et al., 2020; Muliani et al., 2021). This is because the mental and physical health of individuals over 60 years old is considered a high-risk group and more vulnerable compared to other age groups, requiring additional attention (Girdhar et al., 2020; K. Lee et al., 2020; Meng et al., 2020)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of social distancing measures has led to reduced social interaction, worsening psychological distress, and increased risk of depression and anxiety among the elderly (Armitage & Nellums, 2020; Chakrawarty et al., 2021). A research report indicated that approximately 37.1% of the elderly experienced depression and anxiety during the pandemic (Meng et al., 2020). Another survey conducted among 291 elderly individuals revealed severe levels of somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and major depression (Al-butmeh & Al-Khataib, 2018). Additionally, other studies have found mood disorders, depression, and dementia among the elderly (Banerjee, 2020a; Castro-de-Araujo et al., 2020; Dziedzic et al., 2021). Similarly, a qualitative study reported distress, anxiety, anger, uncertainty, exhaustion, and expressed fear of contagion from themselves and their loved ones (Pisula et al., 2021). Aggravated by the condition greater vulnerability in people living alone, in small and closed environments, with weak linkages and networks, or limited access to technologies. Beside that Accessibility to the healthcare system was compromised due to reduced outpatient consultations, affecting health checkups, diagnosis, and treatment (Loza et al., 2021). However, participants tried to keep their immunizations up to date (Loza et al., 2021).

This article aims to provide a systematic overview and historical context to differentiate trends regarding the topic of mental health in the elderly. We employ a bibliometric method due to the significant increase in research interest in mental health among the elderly over time. The bibliometric results offer insights into the quantity of publications and their impact, as indicated by citation counts. Bibliometric analysis helps address questions regarding the development and characteristics of the field of mental health in the elderly. This study brings novelty in terms of methodology. Previous research has been conducted effectively, but has primarily focused on qualitative and quantitative studies. For example, studies conducted by Loza et al., (2021) and Pisula et al., (2021) investigated the mental health of the elderly using qualitative approaches concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts made by the elderly to access mental care. Another study utilized a quantitative approach to explore the relationships between social support, resilience, and individual mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic across three age groups (Li et al., 2021). Additionally, a mixed-methods approach was employed in another study to examine how symptoms of anxiety and depression relate to mental health, and how symptoms of anxiety are associated with bodily pain and emotional role limitations (Drageset et al., 2015).

This article analysis of scientific publications focusing on the relationship between mental health and development in the elderly. The use of bibliometric analysis in this study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape in this area. The research identified an increasing trend in publications related to mental health in the elderly, indicating a growing interest and recognition of the topic. By identifying thematic clusters such as aging and mental health, social factors, trauma and PTSD, geriatric resilience, and cognitive function, this study reveals potential research gaps and areas that require further exploration. The study identification of thematic clusters and publication trends contributes to the novelty and newness of the research by providing insights into the current state of knowledge and offering a roadmap for future research directions. One of the key contributions of this research is the emphasis on the collaboration between psychology and geriatrics. By connecting these two fields of study, researchers can effectively address the mental health needs of the elderly population. The interdisciplinary approach is crucial for the development of mental health science in the elderly. By understanding the existing gaps and trends, stakeholders can focus their efforts on addressing specific areas such as social factors, trauma, resilience, and cognitive function, thus promoting the overall well-being and mental health of the elderly population.

Furthermore, the results of bibliometric analysis enable us to identify the most productive and influential articles, authors, core journals, organizations, and collaborations among them. From the presented analysis, this study proposed five research questions (RQ):

RQ 1	:	How is the trend of publication themes on mental health in Elderly?
RQ 2	:	Which country and institution contribute the most to the publication of the mental health in Elderly?
RQ 3	:	Which journal published mental health in Elderly?
RQ 4	:	What are the interesting thematic trends about mental health and the elderly?

RQ 1 and RQ 4: Both of these research questions are related to the publication trends and thematic aspects of mental health in the elderly. RQ 1 focuses on analyzing the trends in publication themes, while RQ 4 explores the interesting thematic trends within mental health and the elderly. Both questions involve understanding the themes found in scientific publications discussing this topic and how these trends have evolved over time. RQ 2: This research question pertains to the contributions of countries and institutions in publications on mental health in the elderly. Answering RQ 2 will provide information about the countries and institutions that have made the most significant contributions to this research, both in terms of publication quantity and their impact on the field. This information can help understand the leaders in this research area and potential collaborations between countries and institutions. RQ 3: This research question relates to the journals that publish articles on mental health in the elderly. Answering RQ 3 will provide information about the journals that have published the highest number of articles on this topic. This information is valuable for researchers who wish to publish their own research, as it allows them to identify the most relevant journals with a good reputation in this field.

2.1 Study design

This study utilizes Bibliometric Analysis (BA) to identify research patterns, trends, and visualize metadata. The data for this study were obtained from the Scopus database accessed on 10/05/2023. Scopus provides a large number of internationally indexed databases with a high reputation, ensuring the quality of the articles. To identify articles relevant to the research objectives, the following keywords were used: ("Prevalence of depression" OR "social isolation" OR "mental health disorders" OR "COVID-19" OR "barriers to accessing mental health care" OR "models of care" OR "cultural factors" OR "risk factors for suicide" OR "physical health comorbidity") AND ("elderly" OR "older people" OR "aging") AND ("mental health"). Thus, these search keywords serve as limitations to this study.

2.2 Data search and identification

This study utilizes VOSViewer version 1.6.16 (van Eck & Waltman, 2010) and Biblioshiny from the R package (Aria & Cuccurullo, 2017). VOSViewer and Biblioshiny are freely available computer applications used to build and visualize bibliometric maps. They specifically focus on graphical representation of bibliometric maps, which can aid in visualizing publication metadata such as bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, and co-citation. Overall, the relationships among the data variables can be observed through the three-fields plot analysis displayed in Fig. 1. Figure 1 represents the publication source, AU represents the author, and DE represents the keywords. The relationship analysis in Fig. 1 illustrates the correlation between the three displayed aspects visually. The length of the rectangular shapes indicates the quantity, where longer rectangles represent a larger quantity. The gray lines represent connections linking the three visualized variables. It can be observed that DE demonstrates that mental health and elderly have longer lengths as they are core keywords in this research.

2.3 Data extraction

The data on mental health and the elderly was conducted between 2013 and 2022. The data was collected from 741 sources, including journals and books, and comprises 1,912 documents. On average, the documents were published 3.12 years ago, and each document received an average of 25.54 citations. The average number of citations per year per document was 6.307. In total, the documents contained 8,1775 references. All of the documents were articles, and they contained a total of 9,765 authors, with 12,510 appearances in the documents. Of these authors, 76 were single-authored and 10,894 were multi-authored. The documents had an average of 5.74 authors per document, and each author appeared in an average of 0.174 documents. The collaboration index was 5.94, indicating that authors tended to collaborate with each other in the production of the documents. The documents covered a range of topics related to mental health and the elderly, as indicated by the 6,118 keywords plus (ID) and 3,647 author's keywords (DE) that were included in the documents. The large number of keywords suggests that the research in this area is diverse and covers a broad range of topics.

The average number of citations per document is 25.54, with an average of 6.307 citations per year per document. This suggests that the research in this field is highly cited and has a significant impact on the academic community. Furthermore, the references included in the research amount to 81775, which indicates that the research is well-supported by existing literature in the field. In terms of the authors involved in the research, there were 10970 authors who contributed to the 1912 documents. These authors made a total of 12510 appearances in the research. Of these authors, 76 authored single-authored documents, while 10894 authored multi-authored documents. The collaboration index was calculated to be 5.94, which suggests that there is a relatively high level of collaboration between authors in this field. The data provides useful information about the research on mental health and the elderly conducted in recent years. The high number of citations per document suggests that the research is well-regarded and has a significant impact in the field. The collaboration index indicates that researchers in this area tend to work together, which may contribute to the quality and diversity of the research produced. The data on document types and contents, as well as the information about authors and their collaborations, provides a valuable resource for those interested in conducting further research in this area.

2.4 Statistical analysis

Bibliometric analysis utilizes bibliometric theory to analyze relevant literature using mathematical and statistical approaches to examine research in various fields, including psychology (Chen et al., 2022; Dominko & Verbič, 2019; Elías & Marithza, 2022; Nuryana et al., n.d., 2021). This study employs VOSviewer version 1.6.16 to analyze the bibliography. VOSviewer is a freely available computer program used for creating and visualizing bibliometric maps. Unlike most software programs used for bibliometric mapping, VOSviewer places special emphasis on bibliometric mapping and graphical representation. VOSviewer's features are particularly useful for interpreting large-scale bibliometric maps (van Eck & Waltman, 2010). VOSviewer aids in displaying visualizations of publication metadata, such as bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, and co-citation.

A roadmap for investigating mental health in the elderly is a valuable tool that can guide research endeavors in this field. It provides a structured framework and clear direction for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address the complex and multifaceted aspects of mental health in the elderly population. Here are some key reasons why a roadmap for investigating mental health in the elderly is important (1) A roadmap helps to identify and prioritize specific research areas and questions related to mental health in the elderly. It allows researchers to focus their efforts on the most relevant and critical aspects, ensuring that resources and attention are directed where they are most needed; (2) A roadmap encourages a systematic and comprehensive exploration of various dimensions of mental health in the elderly. It promotes a holistic approach that considers biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors, among others. This systematic exploration leads to a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and facilitates the development of evidence-based interventions and policies; (3) A roadmap facilitates collaboration and networking among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of mental health in the elderly. It helps create a common language and shared goals, enabling stakeholders to work together, exchange knowledge and expertise, and leverage resources effectively. Collaboration enhances the quality and impact of research outcomes and promotes the translation of research findings into practice; (4) A roadmap highlights gaps in current knowledge and research efforts, providing opportunities for further exploration and innovation. By identifying areas that require more attention, researchers can fill knowledge gaps, develop new theoretical frameworks, and propose novel interventions to improve mental health outcomes in the elderly population. Therefore, this research comprehensively investigates how mental health and the elderly develop significantly.

3.1 Trends research

Figure 2 illustrates the number of articles and citations over a decade, from 2013 to 2022, showing an increasing trend year by year, with a significant surge in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, both the number of articles and citations sharply increased compared to the previous year, rising from 114 articles and 114 citations in 2019 to 288 articles and 288 citations in 2020. This increase is likely attributable to several factors, such as researchers' heightened interest in specific topics, improved access to resources and technology, and an upsurge in publications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2021, the number of articles and citations did not experience a significant increase compared to the previous year but remained at a very high level. This could be due to a delayed effect from the increased number of publications in the previous year and/or the continued prevalence of COVID-19-related research as a widely discussed topic. Figure 2 also reveals a decline in the number of articles and citations in 2022 compared to the previous year, although it remains higher than in preceding years. This decrease may be attributed to various factors, such as reduced research interest, ongoing limitations related to the ongoing pandemic, and changes in the academic or industry environment. Overall, the increasing number of articles and citations year by year indicates a growing interest in research and publication. However, the changing trends in 2020 and 2021 also demonstrate that external factors, such as the pandemic, can have a significant impact on publication and citation trends.

3.2 Country contribution in mental health elderly research

Figure 3 explain the ranking is based on the number of articles published by researchers in each country and the number of citations that those articles received. The countries with the highest number of articles are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, while the countries with the highest number of citations are the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. The high number of articles from the United States and the United Kingdom suggests that mental health and the elderly are important topics in these countries. These countries are likely investing significant resources into research, funding initiatives, and awareness campaigns related to mental health and aging. The fact that the United States has the highest number of citations suggests that the research being conducted in this country is highly influential and respected by the academic community. Australia's position in the top three countries in terms of articles published is noteworthy given its relatively small population compared to the other countries in the top five. This suggests that Australia has a strong focus on mental health and aging research, and its researchers are making significant contributions to the field. China's high number of citations suggests that research on mental health and aging in China is having an impact and is being recognized by the academic community. The fact that China has a high number of articles published but a lower number of citations compared to the United States may suggest that there is more research being conducted in China, but it is not yet having as much impact as research in the United States.

The United States has the highest number of documents (569) and citations (17,560), followed by the United Kingdom with 277 documents and 9,963 citations. Australia, Canada, and China also have a significant number of documents and citations, with 154, 146, and 128 documents, respectively. One possible explanation for the high number of contributions from these countries is their level of development and investment in research. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada are among the wealthiest countries in the world and have well-established research institutions and funding mechanisms. China, as a rapidly growing economy, has also invested heavily in research and development in recent years. Another factor that may contribute to the high number of contributions is the aging population in these countries. The elderly population is increasing in many developed countries, and mental health issues are more prevalent in older adults. Researchers may be more likely to focus on this population and their specific needs and challenges. The table also shows that there are some European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, that have a significant number of contributions. These countries also have aging populations and established research institutions. However, it is interesting to note that some countries with significant populations of older adults, such as Japan, have fewer contributions. This may be due to cultural factors or differences in research priorities. The high number of contributions from developed countries and those with aging populations is not surprising, given their investment in research and the prevalence of mental health issues in older adults.

3.3 Journal contribution in mental health elderly research

Table 1 provides information about the journals that have contributed the most to research on mental health and the elderly. The top journal on the list is the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, with 213 documents and 3415 citations. This suggests that the journal is a significant contributor to research in this field. The second most influential journal is Frontiers in Psychiatry with 55 documents and 1000 citations. The journal Aging and Mental Health is ranked third, with 40 documents and 815 citations. Other journals on the list include BMJ Open, Psychiatry Research, Journal of Affective Disorders, and BMC Psychiatry. These journals have contributed significantly to the research on mental health and the elderly. However, it's important to note that some journals on the list may have a specific focus or subfield in mental health and the elderly. For example, the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry may have a more targeted audience and focus on specific topics. The list of journals provides insight into the most influential publications in the field of mental health and the elderly. Researchers, clinicians, and other professionals can refer to these journals to stay updated on the latest research, findings, and best practices in this area.

Many of these journals cover a broad range of topics related to the elderly population, including physical and mental health, social factors, and environmental factors that can impact their overall wellbeing. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is at the top of the list and focuses on environmental factors that can impact the health of the elderly population. Frontiers in Psychiatry focuses on research related to psychiatric issues and disorders, including those that are commonly found in the elderly population such as dementia and depression. Aging and Mental Health is a specialized journal that focuses solely on mental health issues in older adults. BMJ Open is an open-access journal that covers a wide range of health topics, including those related to the elderly population. Psychiatry Research is another specialized journal that focuses on mental health research, including issues related to the elderly population. Frontiers in Public Health is a multidisciplinary journal that covers topics related to public health, including those related to the elderly population. The Journal of Affective Disorders focuses on research related to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are common among the elderly population.

Table 1

the journals that have contributed the most to research on mental health.
No.	source	documents	citations
1	international journal of environmental research and public health	213	3415
2	frontiers in psychiatry	55	1000
3	aging and mental health	40	815
4	bmj open	28	475
5	psychiatry research	28	4076
6	frontiers in public health	26	252
7	journal of affective disorders	26	804
8	bmc psychiatry	23	433
9	frontiers in psychology	23	149
10	social science and medicine	23	579
11	bmc public health	22	481
12	international journal of geriatric psychiatry	22	467
13	american journal of geriatric psychiatry	21	815
14	journals of gerontology - series b psychological sciences and social sciences	20	1272
15	archives of gerontology and geriatrics	16	205

BMC Psychiatry is another specialized journal that focuses on psychiatric research, including issues related to the elderly population. Frontiers in Psychology covers a wide range of psychological topics, including those related to aging and mental health. Social Science and Medicine is a multidisciplinary journal that covers topics related to social factors that can impact health, including those related to aging and the elderly population. BMC Public Health focuses on public health issues, including those related to the elderly population. The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry is a specialized journal that focuses solely on issues related to mental health in older adults. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry is another specialized journal that focuses on psychiatric issues in the elderly population. Journals of Gerontology - Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences is a multidisciplinary journal that covers a wide range of topics related to aging and the elderly population. Lastly, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics focuses on research related to the biology of aging and health issues that arise in older adults.

3.4 Maps of author keywords co-occurrence in literature in the field of mental health and the elderly

Cluster 2 is focused on mental health, wellbeing, and social determinants of health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cluster highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing, as well as the role of social support and social determinants of health in mitigating the negative effects. One of the keywords in this cluster is "anxiety symptoms," which has been identified as a common mental health issue during the pandemic. The pandemic has led to increased anxiety and stress levels, and this has been linked to factors such as social isolation, financial insecurity, and fear of contracting the virus. Another keyword in this cluster is "mental health literacy," which refers to knowledge and beliefs about mental health and mental illness. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health literacy, as there has been a need for accurate information about mental health and resources to support mental wellbeing. The cluster also includes keywords related to social determinants of health, such as poverty, social exclusion, and social support. These factors have been shown to influence mental health and wellbeing, and the pandemic has further highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health to promote overall health and wellbeing. Cluster 2 highlights the importance of mental health and social determinants of health during the pandemic. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and resources to support mental wellbeing, and the importance of addressing social determinants of health to promote overall health and wellbeing (Mulatu et al., 2021).

Cluster 3 is focused on various aspects related to the elderly population and their well-being. This cluster contains keywords related to health promotion, intervention, and prevention, as well as cognitive function, physical and mental health, and well-being. One of the important keywords in this cluster is "healthy aging." It reflects the growing interest in promoting good health and quality of life for older adults (M. K. Lee & Oh, 2020). Healthy aging involves maintaining physical, cognitive, and social well-being, which can help older adults to live independently and improve their overall quality of life. Another important keyword in this cluster is "intervention." Interventions can help improve the physical and mental health of older adults, and can include exercise programs, social support programs, and cognitive training. These interventions can also help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases and disabilities (Guralnik et al., 1996), and improve overall quality of life. The keywords "well-being" and "physical and mental health" are also important in this cluster. Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential to the well-being of older adults, and can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life (Halaweh et al., 2018). This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, where physical distancing and social isolation have increased the risk of mental health problems among the elderly population (Cosco et al., 2021; Sepúlveda-Loyola et al., 2020; Vrach & Tomar, 2020). In addition, the keywords "social isolation" and "community" reflect the importance of social support and connectedness for older adults. Social isolation can have negative effects on mental and physical health, and community-based programs (Smith et al., 2020) and interventions can help promote social connectedness and improve overall well-being (Suragarn et al., 2021). Cluster 3 highlights the importance of promoting healthy aging, interventions to improve physical and mental health, and social support and connectedness to improve the well-being of older adults.

Cluster 4 includes a wide range of topics related to mental health and aging. The keywords in this cluster suggest that the focus is on understanding the factors that contribute to mental health issues in specific populations, including minorities, refugees, women, and veterans. One of the main themes in this cluster is health disparities, which refers to the unequal distribution of health outcomes across different populations. Several keywords, including discrimination, socioeconomic factors, and sex differences, suggest that these disparities are related to social and economic factors. For example, discrimination and socioeconomic factors can contribute to stress and trauma (Albert et al., 2017), which can increase the risk of mental health disorders such as PTSD. Another important theme in this cluster is trauma, which can be caused by a range of events, including bereavement, widowhood, and experiences during war. Trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being (Marini et al., 2020), and it is important to understand the risk factors and effective interventions for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD (Dietrich, 2001). Telemedicine is another keyword in this cluster, highlighting the importance of technology in providing mental health services to older adults and other vulnerable populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of telemedicine can help overcome barriers to access, such as transportation and mobility issues, and can provide a more convenient and comfortable way to receive mental health care. The keywords in this cluster suggest that mental health issues in older adults are complex and multifaceted, influenced by a range of social, economic, and health factors. Understanding these factors and developing effective interventions to address them is essential for promoting mental health and well-being in older adults and other vulnerable populations.

Cluster 5 encompasses a range of topics related to aging, health, and technology. The keywords in this cluster suggest a focus on how technology can be used to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults, including those with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic is also a prominent theme, highlighting the unique challenges faced by older adults and the potential for digital health technologies to mitigate some of these challenges (Ienca et al., 2021). The cluster 5 also touches on issues related to ageism and the social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare. The inclusion of cross-sectional studies suggests a focus on understanding the prevalence of certain health conditions or behaviors among older adults, while the emphasis on coping strategies and resilience highlights the importance of psychosocial factors in healthy aging. Cluster 6 appears to focus on the intersection of mental health and aging in low- and middle-income countries, with a particular emphasis on nursing homes and long-term care (Arokiasamy et al., 2015). There is also a focus on the impact of social determinants of health on mental health outcomes in this context. Alcohol, smoking, and food insecurity are identified as risk factors for poor mental health outcomes among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, there is a focus on the role of mental health services and telehealth in addressing the mental health needs of older adults in these settings, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Wu, 2020). Overall, this cluster highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of aging populations in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those in long-term care and nursing homes. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and policies that address the unique risk factors and challenges faced by older adults in these settings, with a focus on promoting social connectedness, addressing food insecurity, and improving access to mental health services.

Furthermore, to visualize the evolution of research themes over time by mapping their relevance and centrality within a field this research using enhanced strategic diagrams (Shafin et al., 2022; Wijaya & Hermawan, 2025). Recent research trends in elderly mental health indicate a shift from traditional topics such as depression and quality of life toward broader issues, including overall mental health, social support, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using enhanced strategic diagrams in Fig. 4, the left panel illustrates that topics like mental health, social support, and pandemic fall within the Emerging (Q2) quadrant, signifying their increasing relevance in contemporary studies. This trend aligns with recent bibliometric analyses, which highlight a growing emphasis on social and psychosocial determinants of mental well-being in older adults (Zhou et al., 2023). Additionally, research has increasingly focused on the role of community-based interventions and social engagement in mitigating mental health challenges among the elderly (Gonzalez-Alcaide et al., 2021).

Conversely, Fig. 4 (right panel) demonstrates that older research themes such as depression and quality of life, which were once central to elderly mental health studies, have moved into the Isolated (Q6) and Declining (Q8) quadrants. This suggests a decrease in their prominence in current scientific discourse. Although depression remains a critical issue, contemporary studies are increasingly addressing preventive measures and risk factors rather than merely focusing on treatment (Fiordelli et al., 2021). Additionally, research on primary care and geriatric mental health services is also declining, as indicated in Fig. 4, reflecting a shift toward more holistic, community-based mental health support (Pijl & Sytema, 2003). Scholars have also noted that traditional biomedical approaches to elderly mental health are increasingly supplemented by social and psychological perspectives (Thomas et al., 2016).

This thematic transformation in Fig. 4, is influenced by various factors, including changing societal attitudes, advancements in research methodologies, and an increased focus on holistic well-being. Studies suggest that spirituality, community involvement, and social support play a more significant role in elderly mental health than previously acknowledged (Langgapin et al., 2024). Furthermore, as mental health priorities evolve, researchers emphasize the importance of integrating mental health strategies with broader social and cultural frameworks (Hyman, 2001). In light of these findings, future research is expected to increasingly explore interdisciplinary interventions that bridge the gap between mental health services, social engagement, and preventive care for the elderly.

This study employs bibliometric methods to extensively examine a substantial volume of articles with the aim of identifying patterns and trends in research on mental health in the elderly population. By adopting a systematic and objective approach, this methodology yields precise and reliable analysis that holds significant importance in the current context. The study offers highly pertinent and timely insights by specifically addressing the prevailing trends in elderly mental health. However, the study goes beyond mere identification of current trends by highlighting alternative research themes that warrant exploration in the future. These themes encompass Aging and mental health, Social factors, Trauma and PTSD, Geriatric Resilience, and Cognitive function. The findings of this study can serve as a guiding force for future research on mental health in the elderly population. The recommendations outlined in the article emphasize the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to attain a more comprehensive understanding of mental health.

Nonetheless, there are certain limitations associated with this study. Firstly, it is restricted to articles published in the Scopus database, which is extensive but may not encompass all relevant articles pertaining to this topic. Consequently, the scope of the study may not be entirely comprehensive, potentially resulting in the oversight of valuable insights. Secondly, the analysis is confined to quantitative data, including article quantity, citations, and keywords, which may inadvertently disregard the quality and relevance of the articles. Consequently, certain relevant articles with low citation rates may be overlooked, despite their potential to provide valuable insights on the subject matter. While this study offers valuable insights, it is imperative to acknowledge its limitations to obtain a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Future studies should take these limitations into consideration and strive to overcome them in order to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced analysis..

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends on mental health among the elderly from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal a significant growth in publications, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting increasing global awareness of elderly mental health issues. Five thematic clusters, aging and mental health, social factors, trauma and PTSD, geriatric resilience, and cognitive function, were identified as dominant areas of focus of research. The analysis demonstrates a clear shift from traditional clinical perspectives, such as depression and quality of life, toward more integrative approaches emphasizing social support, resilience, and community engagement. This transition underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology, gerontology, and public health in addressing the complex determinants of mental health in older populations. Future research should prioritize underexplored areas such as mental health literacy, technology-assisted care, and culturally adaptive interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Strengthening international collaboration and policy integration will be essential for promoting equitable and sustainable mental health care for aging populations. Overall, this study provides a data-driven roadmap for advancing the scientific and practical understanding of elderly mental health in a rapidly aging world.

Author Contribution

H: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft – Review & Editing.ZN: Methodology, Writing – Review & Editing.KB: Validation, Writing – Review & Editing.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia; the Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia; and the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia, for their invaluable support and collaboration throughout this research.

Data Availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the present study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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When age meets mind understanding the changing landscape of elderly mental health

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Abstract

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1. Introduction

2. Materials and methods

2.1 Study design

2.2 Data search and identification

2.3 Data extraction

2.4 Statistical analysis

3. Result and Discussion

3.1 Trends research

3.2 Country contribution in mental health elderly research

3.3 Journal contribution in mental health elderly research

4. Strength and limitations

5. Conclusion

Declarations

Author Contribution

Acknowledgement

Data Availability

References

Additional Declarations

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