Understanding influences on mental health among over 70-year-olds in Kenya using a life course theory

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050 “older adults” (OAs)—denoting those over 70 years old in this article—will constitute 21% of the global population, with over half living in low or middle-income countries (LMICs). Old age is associated with increased multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) such as cancer, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes and mental health. According to WHO, 20% of older adults in Africa are affected by mental health – and dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases are likely to increase, adding expenditure on public services. Knowledge and understanding of OAs experiences and histories and how they contribute to mental health are critical to informing measures and strategies to safeguard older adults. Like many sub-Saharan African (SSA), these experiences have not been documented in Kenya. In this article, we use a life course theory (LCT) to reflect on the intersection between historical and current environmental and socioeconomic factors and their effects on the mental health of OAs. We hope to enrich future researchers by providing core yet overlooked historicities to guide research and policies in an understudied population in sub-Saharan Africa. We conclude with policy and research recommendations on ageing and health.