The mental well-being of individuals sometimes has a tendency to take a toll during their later years. In many cases, older people can be more isolated than others, more prone to sedentary lifestyles, and hence more likely to face mental health challenges.

Granted, there's been some work at the societal level to counteract this. Many officials continue to stress the importance of older people going out and about, getting at least moderate levels of exercise in, and making sure they have a healthy support system around them.

Unfortunately, mental health problems are not going away. One case and point of this exists in Great Britain, where officials project that dementia will become a very real problem by the time 2040 arrives.

What to know about dementia projections across the pond

Public health journal Lancet recently put out research that projects a staggering 1.7 million people across Wales and England will suffer from dementia by 2040. As a result of this study, the healthcare and social services sectors in the United Kingdom are anticipated to face staggering burdens as well.

Lancet likewise notes that while dementia cases dropped between 2002 to 2008, during 2008 to 2016, these cases increased. So far, the public health journal is urging for continued tracking of dementia projections to best prepare and implement the necessary policies.

Other officials, such as the UCL Genetics Institute's Professor David Curtis, believe Lancet's ability to tell what will emerge in 17 years remains limited, at best. He also warns that the public health journal's findings are based on the assumption that each year from now until 2040 will see a 2.8% uptick in dementia cases.

Ways to keep the mind healthy, even in older age

Notwithstanding certain genetic predispositions to dementia, there are still active steps individuals can employ to reduce their likelihood of facing this disease.

What's most important is maintaining healthy social connections and mental activity. Volunteering in the community, playing puzzles, taking up recreational classes, learning new languages, and practicing arts and crafts are all great options.

Being mentally and socially active can not only lower one's likelihood of facing dementia, but it can also make people less vulnerable to other similar diseases.