For many, the ageing process can be challenging and lonely. This is reflected in high rates of mental health issues, such as depression, among older Australians.

Currently, around half of all aged care residents have symptoms of depression. This is four times the rate of the rest of the community.

Six in ten people living in aged care are prescribed antidepressant medication, highlighting the challenges many older Australians face.

So, what causes depression in older Australians, and what are some possible solutions?

What causes depression in older Australians?

Older people have increased rates of depression for various reasons. These include:
· Cognitive decline or dementia
· Decline in physical health
· Loss and bereavement: Many people living in aged care will have lost a spouse or friends. Some people may have had to give up pets to move into aged care.
· Change and adjustment: People living in aged care have often gone through a significant period of change and adjustment. For example, they may have moved out of a long-term family home.
· Loss of independence and autonomy: Moving into aged care often coincides with a reduction in independence for older Australians. In some cases, older Australians may feel like they have limited choice but to move into an aged care facility, or which facility to live in. Once they arrive, they may have limited choice about what to eat or what activities to participate in.
· Social isolation and loneliness: When people enter an aged care facility, they are often forced to move away from family and friends. Mobility issues can also make it more difficult to visit family and friends, while friends may be experiencing similar issues making it challenging for them to visit.

What are the signs of depression in older people?

If you or an older Australian you know is feeling down for a period of over two weeks you may be experiencing depression. Other signs to watch out for include.
· Losing interest in activities
· Irritability and agitation
· Fatigue
· Restlessness
· Weight loss
· Dizziness
· Aches and pains
· Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
· Reduced appetite
· Memory loss

It’s important to recognise that depression is not a normal part of the ageing process. Unfortunately, symptoms associated with depression in older Australians can be dismissed as a normal part of the ageing process.

What are some possible solutions?

The statistics show our current approach to mental health in aged care isn’t working.

Experts argue that greater access to psychological services will go a long way to improving the mental health of those in aged care. They argue aged care residents should have the same access to funding for psychological care as others.

Between 2012 and 2017, less than 3 percent of aged care residents with a mental health condition accessed Medicare-funded mental health services.

Currently, aged care residents can only access psychology funded through Medicare if they have been referred by a psychiatrist, which most aged care residents don’t have access to.

Societal attitudes also need to change. There is currently a perception that aged care residents don’t want or won’t benefit from psychological therapy, which needs to be addressed.

Greater education is also required. Better training of the mental health workforce for the older population is required. Staff in residential aged care also need to get better at identifying and responding to mental health conditions.

Maintaining good mental health is important at any age. Therefore, we must support older Australians as they navigate the challenges associated with ageing.

Are you looking for a career in aged care? Aged Care Resumes is pleased to offer various services, including our resume and selection criteria writing service.

Article References

Better Health Channel (n.d.) Depression and ageing, Better Health Channel, accessed 22 October 2024

Health Direct (n.d.) Depression in older people, Health Direct, accessed 22 October 2024

Kelsey Sugg, A & Heggen, B (27 March 2024) Half of Australia’s aged care residents experience depression. It’s clear how their mental health could be improved, ABC News, accessed 22 October 2024