The ‘Depression in later life’ Project ran through 2009 and was part of Yorkshire and Humber Improvement Partnership’s (YHIP) ‘Mental Health in Later Life’ Programme. The Project wass in partnership with Age Concern.

Though the profile of Dementia has increased, and is particularly in the spotlight at present with the National Dementia Strategy, Depression in older people has remained under recognised and under treated.

It is the most common mental health problem of old age, and up to 25% of people over 65 have clinical signs of Depression. Less than 15% receive diagnosis and active treatment. Older people themselves and some professionals may feel that it is a natural response to some of the problems in later life.

In fact, older people respond just as well to medication, psychological therapies and psychosocial interventions as younger people, but they are less likely to be offered the same range of treatment as the younger population.

The Project had 4 objectives:

• To scope awareness and confidence about treatment within Primary Care settings and amongst Age Concern staff
• To design training material/course to improve skills and awareness of treatment options, particularly psychological therapy
• Develop the evidence base for prevention- protective factors are well known but under acted upon
• Improve awareness amongst older people, in partnership with other initiatives (e.g Age Concern’s ’Down but not out’ and the Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Grouchy old men?’ project).

The Project aided the promotion of good mental health, which is key to the prevention agenda and maintenance of independence for older people.

This project has now closed, but for more information on its work contact stephen.stericker@yhip.org.uk