Depression among the elderly

Depression among the elderly is a major public health issue faced by developed societies, and it is one of the most common and costly mental health disorders worldwide. Mental health issues are a major source of disability, significantly affecting the quality of life of older people. Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, feeling tired and poor concentration. The prevalence of depression in older people is between 10% and 20%, with an increasing trend, particularly in developed countries. Risk factors for depression in older people include social, biological and psychological factors. Depressive disorders in the elderly often escape diagnosis as the symptoms are wrongly considered to be a natural consequence of ageing. Identifying the risk factors for depression is a prerequisite for the implementation of appropriate health policies to provide better preventive and therapeutic interventions, with the ultimate aim of reducing the levels of depression and improving the quality of life in older people.