Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Center for Disease Control, coexistence, comorbidity, depression, diabetes, diagnostic criteria, dysphoria, high comorbidity, individual, inevitable part, low, lower than rates, middle-aged, nursing home, nursing homes, older adults, physical illnesses, prevalence, prevalence rates, research, residing, stroke, symptoms, years and older, younger 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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