The literature on depression in old age has tended to be dominated by the medical model with its focus on symptoms and treatment. This report breaks new ground by adopting a psycho-social approach - one that explores depression in the context of the everyday lives of older people. Commissioned by Help the Aged, the report: reviews the nature and scope of the evidence base around depression and older people; evaluates current policy and practice responses; identifies gaps in the evidence base and areas for further work. Finding that older people with depressive disorders are largely invisible within health and care services and that many fail to seek or receive effective treatment, the report also: recognises the importance of daily hassles in undermining older peoples mental well-being; highlights the importance of mental health promotion; argues for the need for an holistic approach to older peoples services which balances physical with mental needs; prioritises the social inclusion agenda in services for older people.
Depression and older people is invaluable reading for anyone involved in the management and delivery of services to older people, as well as academics, students and researchers in the field. It will also be of interest to older people themselves.