Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rican health data point to a serious mental-health burden among older adults. In the first 38 weeks of 2026, authorities recorded 1,656 cases of severe mental disorders in this age group, including 1,218 depression diagnoses and 78 suicide attempts.
Depression accounted for 73.6% of the reported cases. The tally also included 337 diagnoses of vascular dementia and 23 of Alzheimer’s disease. Women made up 1,105 of all reported cases—about two-thirds—and accounted for 854 depression diagnoses, compared with 364 among men.
The figures shift when it comes to suicide attempts: 41 of the 78 cases were men, and 37 were women. The highest concentration among men in the 60-to-64 age group, though the article did not provide a detailed breakdown by age.
A warning in the numbers—and their limits
The figures describe reported cases, not the full prevalence of mental-health conditions among older people. They also don’t, by themselves, explain why the cases occurred. The article points to isolation, retirement, chronic pain, financial hardship, caregiving burdens, abuse and reluctance to seek help as possible pressures, but the published statistics do not establish that any one factor caused the reported diagnoses or attempts.
Even so, the contrast between the numbers deserves attention. Women account for most of the recorded depression diagnoses, while men make up a slight majority of suicide attempts. That pattern argues for support that’s accessible to everyone, while recognizing that people may face different barriers to asking for help.
The World Health Organization estimates that one in six older people experiences physical violence, verbal abuse or neglect. That broader figure underscores why mental-health support can’t be separated from safety, social connection and practical care. The article recommends ongoing companionship and recreational and cognitive activities, alongside treatment of chronic health conditions.
In Costa Rica, the “Aquí Estoy” (Here I Am) helpline—run by the Colegio de Profesionales en Psicología de Costa Rica (Costa Rican College of Psychology Professionals)—offers free suicide prevention support, as does the Psychological Care Center (UCR), which can be reached at +506 2511-5776.