New Delhi Oct 8 (IANS): Doctors and specialists Monday called for mental health programmes for elderly in a policy being drafted by the ministry of health and family welfare.

"At least 75 percent of people over the age of 75 have diagnosable mental health problem, there is an urgent need for special mental health programmes for older people," said Sunil Mittal, psychiatrist at Cosmos Institute of Mental health and Behavioural Science (CIMBS).

"Mental health and older adults" is the theme being observed this year on World Mental Health day Oct 10.

According to World Health Organisation report, the total number of people with dementia is projected to almost double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.

"Older adults also suffer from dementia. As the population of older adults is increasing, we are going to have an increasing number of people with dementia due to Alzheimer's, vascular problems or other brain degenerative diseases," said Sameer Kalani, consultant psychiatrist at CIMBS.