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Jan. 30 - Studies Show Depression Plagues Older Rural Communities in Australia and The USA

Nearly one third of older rural people in Australia and America suffer from depression according to a study in the Wiley-Blackwell journal - Australian Journal of Rural Health.

The study "Prevalence and Predicators of Depressive Symptoms among Rural Older Australians and Americans" examines and compares the factors causing depression among married people from the two continents, and seeks to extend the knowledge about the prevalence and predictors of rural late-life depressive symptoms.

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by chronic sadness and feelings of hopelessness. It is estimated that almost half of older adults suffer from minor depression while another 4% suffer from more serious clinical depression.

Lead author, Dr Evonne Miller says, "With a quarter of the population predicted to be 60 years of older by 2050, the high numbers of older people suffering from depression is a troubling find for practitioners and policy-makers."

The key determinant for depression symptoms in Australians was pain. The dissatisfaction in social support predicted depressive symptoms for American women, while American men had no single variable predicting depression.

"With nearly one in every three older rural people describing themselves as feeling depressed, it is essential to develop culturally appropriate and socially acceptable interventions and support programs for rural communities." says Dr. Miller.

Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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