The number of the elderly population has grown significantly, an increase in mental health problems is identified among the elderly, which requires alertness. This study aimed to identify actions to promote mental health in the elderly in primary health care. The databases for search were: Lilacs, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF and Psychology Index using the descriptors "elderly", "Health Promotion", "mental health" and "Primary Health Care". The final sample consisted of 10 articles. Data analysis was performed through content analysis, thematic modality. At this moment, a theme is presented, namely, the potential for effective psychosocial care. It appears that many advances are still needed to tension actions from a psychosocial perspective in the context of primary health care.