Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

aging, comorbidity, depression, dysphoria, nursing home, older adults

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Depression is not an inevitable part of the aging process. The Center for Disease Control reports the prevalence for depression is 5.4% in adults 60 years and older, significantly lower than rates in middle-aged (9.8%) and younger adults (7.4%). Although prevalence rates of depression in older adults are relatively low, research suggests symptoms of depression that do not meet diagnostic criteria are experienced by 19-39% of older adults. Additionally, prevalence rates for older adults residing in nursing homes are 49%. This may be due to the high comorbidity, or coexistence, of depression and physical illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

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