Faced with an aging population and an increase in mental disorders among older people, the Resource and Evidence Center of the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy, with the support of the Union of Gerontopoles of France, is developing an evidence-based prevention program. This review aims to identify effective primary prevention interventions to promote the mental health of independent older people living at home. It is part of the “Integrated Care for Older People” (WHO) approach.

A systematic review according to PRISMA recommendations was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar (March–April 2025). Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses (2021–2025) involving people aged 60 and over who were living independently at home were included. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2 and the Cochrane tool.

Of the 1,412 studies identified, 23 were selected after applying the inclusion criteria. Seven categories of interventions were identified, with higher effectiveness for physical activity and psychological interventions. Moderate-intensity physical activity programs (2–3 sessions/week for ≥12 weeks) were particularly effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms. The multimodal nature of the interventions and their integration into community resources appear to be key factors in their applicability and effectiveness.

The data support the development of a multimodal program that is accessible and rooted in local communities. The main challenge lies not so much in identifying effective interventions as in disseminating them, adapting them to vulnerable individuals, and ensuring their sustainability.