Book Review – Depression and Older People: Towards Securing Well-Being in Later Life

DEPRESSION AND OLDER PEOPLE: TOWARDS SECURING WELL-BEING IN
LATER LIFE

STAR RATING 4/5

Depression in later life is the most common of mental health
difficulties experienced by older people, writes Bridget
Penhale.

It can have major effects on physical health, recovery from
illness and quality of life. But it is often not recognised, or is
viewed as a normal part of the ageing process. Furthermore, much of
the literature is dominated by the medical model with its focus on
symptoms and treatment.

This report from Help the Aged provides a welcome departure and
develops a psychosocial approach. It reviews the evidence about
later life depression and evaluates policy and practice responses.
Depression is explored in the context of the everyday lives of
older people. Realistic, realisable proposals for change are made
and areas for further work identified.

The need for holistic and socially inclusive approaches towards
older people is emphasised and the importance of mental health
promotion is highlighted.

The structure of the report makes the text accessible and
easy-to-read. The summaries provided are useful and should be
appreciated by practitioners and students alike. The level of
analysis within the book provides food for thought for academics
and researchers in the field.

Bridget Penhale is a senior lecturer at Sheffield
University and writer on elder abuse