Journal of Disease and Global Health

Mental health issues among older adults in Nigeria remain significantly under-recognized, despite high rates of depression, dementia, and anxiety. This study employed a thematic literature review methodology to synthesize peer-reviewed research, national reports, and qualitative studies examining cultural, systemic, and structural barriers to mental health care in this population. Sources were analyzed across five core themes: stigma, help-seeking behavior, health system limitations, economic access, and intervention strategies. Findings reveal that stigma—rooted in beliefs about witchcraft, spiritual affliction, and moral failure—intersects with public, self, and structural forms to discourage biomedical help-seeking. Many older adults rely on traditional healers and prayer camps, which often delay or replace evidence-based care. These cultural factors are compounded by systemic barriers such as underfunded services, workforce shortages, fragmented infrastructure, and limited implementation of policies like the 2021 Mental Health Act. Financial constraints and the exclusion of psychiatric care from insurance schemes further restrict access, especially in rural areas. Despite these challenges, emerging interventions show promise. Community-based education, integration of mental health into primary care using WHO’s mhGAP guidelines, and partnerships between traditional and biomedical providers represent scalable, culturally aligned solutions. However, many of these efforts remain under-evaluated.This review concludes that addressing older adults’ mental health in Nigeria requires culturally responsive, community-driven strategies, supported by effective policy implementation. Research gaps include the lack of age- and gender-specific data, limited evaluations of integrated models, and underexplored digital and community-based solutions. Targeted research and reform are urgently needed to protect this vulnerable population.