Depression and the quality of life among people of the third age

Abstract

Depression is a widespread problem in third age (> 60 years old). A considerable number of elderly people and their relatives fail to recognize the symptoms for a variety of reasons. The presence of depression increases the risk of death and has a negative effect on the life of the elderly. The relationship between depression and the quality of life has often been investigated over the past years. However, in Albania studies concerning third age are very scarce. Therefore the following literature review might contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between depression and the quality of life. The study also aims to identify other aspects or factors affected by this relationship, which in turn will help service providers to promote a better quality of life, identify risk factors leading to depression and implement treatment in due time. This literature review entails articles which meet established criteria and have as their object the quality of life, depression and third aged people. The studies under consideration are cross-sectional, longitudinal etc. Mental health has an impact on the physical health, while the reverse is also true. The elderly exhibiting depression symptoms have generally speaking a poorer quality of life as compared to those who do not experience depression. Also people having a low quality of life, due to factors such as social support and physical health, are more prone to develop depression. In conclusion, studies have found a link between the level of depression and the quality of life among the elderly.