'Growing old' versus declining miserably: Some facts about depression and the older adult

1 The twentieth century has been described as the "age of melancholy" (Barker, 1992, p.24). Whilst first world countries such as New Zealand have enjoyed great improvements in life expectancy we have also become increasingly miserable. Epidemiological studies suggest a ten-fold increase in the prevalence of depression since the Second World War (Barker, 1992). The notion of 'growing' older, has for many people been replaced with a reality of hopelessness and despair. What is particularly frightening is that depression is perceived by many people (including health professionals), as a normal and expected part of ageing. This article aims to explore some of the myths and realities of depression so that health professionals might better recognise and assist the older person experiencing depression and facilitate "growth" in ageing.