Kenya’s older adults show strong mental resilience, new global report finds

This global study, which analyzed over one million responses from 76 countries, assesses mental well-being across emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions, with a score of 100 representing typical mental functioning.

These findings reflect only Internet-enabled populations and do not count those without digital access or literacy, particularly in developing countries across Asia and Africa.

“The mental resilience of older Kenyans can be attributed to strong community ties and cultural traditions that emphasize collective well-being,” the report notes.

Factors such as later exposure to digital technology, robust family structures, and community cohesion appear to play a key role in preserving mental health.

Kenya’s findings align with a broader trend across Africa, though with notable differences among countries. Nigeria’s older adults score even higher, exceeding 110 on the MHQ scale, while South Africa presents a more complex picture.

South African youth have MHQ scores ranging from 30-40, aligning more closely with Western patterns—making it the only African country where this trend is observed. However, even these figures surpass those of struggling Western nations like the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Tanzania stands out as a unique case, as the only country where young adults (18-34) maintain an average MHQ score above 70. Despite this anomaly, the report underscores the resilience of older populations across the continent.

Experts attribute the global decline in youth mental health to several factors, including early exposure to smartphones, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and diets high in ultra-processed foods. The generational gap is striking, with younger adults increasingly reporting debilitating mental health symptoms that interfere with daily life.

This pattern extends beyond Africa to regions such as Central and South America, parts of Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, where older adults consistently score above 100 on the MHQ scale.

These findings suggest that age, along with cultural and social factors, may contribute to greater mental resilience.

The report calls for urgent interventions to address the growing mental health crisis among younger generations while recognizing the strength and stability demonstrated by older adults.

By understanding the factors that contribute to mental resilience in Kenya and similar countries, policymakers and communities worldwide can develop more effective strategies to support mental well-being across all age groups.