Involvement Challenges of Applying Co-Design Methods in Mental Health Care for Older People

Abstract

Mental health care for older persons is a common issue in developed countries. Although most elderly are aware of multiple technologies that support mental health, mere understanding does not motivate them to use them. In the last 20 years, a widespread approach has been to provide a mental health care strategy, especially for the elderly by developing a co-design mental wellness method for them. Such a co-design method is related to collaborating with multiple tasks and various co-work stages with both older people and stakeholders. However, existing literature lacks sufficient research on the impact of co-designed technologies on health and well-being, particularly in terms of implementation challenges, engagement strategies, and social adaptation. In this critical literature review, this essay will introduce the current co-design implementation on mental healthcare of older people. Then it explores the barriers to engaging with the relative stakeholders participating in co-design projects. Finally, according to the current mental wellness tool, this essay will discuss its potential effects on psychological enrichment for older people. The conclusion is that the codesign field nowadays has produced several tools and design methods for older people's mental health in the second year of their lives that facilitate their deep engagement. This co-design approach continues to iterate to be more balanced and attentive to older people's voices in the design field.