Depression and older people
Towards securing well-being in later life
By Mary Godfrey, with and Tracy Denby
Published
Nov 3, 2004Page count
64 pagesISBN
978-1861346421Dimensions
297 x 210 mmImprint
Policy Press
Depression and older people
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 and identifies gaps in the evidence base and areas for further work. 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.
"This is a well-researched, well-written and accessible text for those wishing to start to consider the complexities of deprssion in older people." Ageing and Society
"We know too little about depression in later life. It hasn't been taken seriously enough. Here is a report that sets out the issues clearly and makes recommendations that are realisable." Heather Clark, School of Social Studies, University College Chichester
Mary Godfrey is Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds. She has extensive experience of research with older people.
Tracy Denby is Research Officer at the Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds. She has contributed to systematic reviews in social care, for example, home care and bereavement.
Introduction; Later life with depression: nature and prevalence; The experience of depression; Risk and vulnerability; Accessing help from primary and community care; Models of treatment and care in later life depression; Securing well-being in older age; Summary and conclusions.