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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Laura LindseyORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
PurposeIndividuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience a significantly reduced life expectancy compared to people without SMI, affecting millions worldwide. While cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are well-recognised physical health conditions in this population, this article addresses the unique challenges in managing dementia, cancer, menopause, osteoporosis, and oral health in the context of SMI and ageing.MethodsThis article presents a conceptually informed narrative review of ageing-related physical health disparities experienced by people living with SMI. A narrative review approach was adopted to allow for a targeted and iterative synthesis of evidence across five underexplored domains: dementia, cancer, menopause, osteoporosis, and oral health. These domains were selected due to their public health significance, under-representation in the literature, and relevance to the lived experiences of older adults with SMI.ResultsDespite their substantial impact on the well-being of individuals with SMI, these areas often receive less attention. Diagnostic overshadowing, limited specialised knowledge among mental health staff about physical health, and the siloed nature of healthcare delivery contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment.ConclusionTo improve health outcomes and life expectancy for people with SMI, there is an urgent need for integrated healthcare approaches. Collaborative models that bridge the gap between mental and physical healthcare are essential to ensure timely access to holistic care and address the unique needs of this vulnerable population as they age.
Author(s): Howe J, Lindsey L
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Year: 2025
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 25/07/2025
Acceptance date: 04/07/2025
Date deposited: 11/08/2025
ISSN (print): 0933-7954
ISSN (electronic): 1433-9285
Publisher: Springer Medizin
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-025-02963-8
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-025-02963-8
Data Access Statement: No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
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