A 25-year follow-up study of a total cohort of older people examined the relationship between formal support, mental disorders, and personal characteristics. The study followed 192 individuals born in 1902 and 1903 in Southern Sweden, assessing them at ages 67, 77, 87, and 92. The study found that people with mental disorders, including dementia, were more likely to use formal support (home help and institutional care) compared to those with good mental health. However, 35% of dementia patients and 46% of those with other mental disorders did not receive any formal support. Males and self-employed individuals were less likely to use formal support. The institutionalised group reported loneliness more frequently than the other groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that loneliness, low social class, high blood pressure, and low problem-solving ability were predictors of formal support use. Social factors were the main predictors of formal support. The study also found that 45% of institutionalised individuals had dementia or other mental disorders, compared to 23% of mentally healthy individuals. The study highlights the importance of social and medical support for older people with mental disorders and suggests that current policies may not be effective for all individuals. The study also notes that the use of formal support varied by gender, social class, and other factors. The findings suggest that individualised care and support strategies are needed for people with mental disorders. The study has limitations, including a small sample size and potential changes in predictor variables over time. The study underscores the need for better coordination between healthcare and social services to improve support for older people with mental disorders.A 25-year follow-up study of a total cohort of older people examined the relationship between formal support, mental disorders, and personal characteristics. The study followed 192 individuals born in 1902 and 1903 in Southern Sweden, assessing them at ages 67, 77, 87, and 92. The study found that people with mental disorders, including dementia, were more likely to use formal support (home help and institutional care) compared to those with good mental health. However, 35% of dementia patients and 46% of those with other mental disorders did not receive any formal support. Males and self-employed individuals were less likely to use formal support. The institutionalised group reported loneliness more frequently than the other groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that loneliness, low social class, high blood pressure, and low problem-solving ability were predictors of formal support use. Social factors were the main predictors of formal support. The study also found that 45% of institutionalised individuals had dementia or other mental disorders, compared to 23% of mentally healthy individuals. The study highlights the importance of social and medical support for older people with mental disorders and suggests that current policies may not be effective for all individuals. The study also notes that the use of formal support varied by gender, social class, and other factors. The findings suggest that individualised care and support strategies are needed for people with mental disorders. The study has limitations, including a small sample size and potential changes in predictor variables over time. The study underscores the need for better coordination between healthcare and social services to improve support for older people with mental disorders.