Depression in the elderly: An integrative review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to identify the changes inherent to aging that predispose to the development of depressive conditions in the elderly. METHOD: this is an integrative review of the literature and aims to answer the following guiding question: What are the changes inherent to aging predispose to the development of depression in the elderly? A search was conducted in the SCIELO, PUBMED, and VHL databases, carried out from July 2023 to November 2023, using the Health Sciences Descriptors; depression, aging, health services for the elderly. LITERATURE REVIEW: The aging process, changes such as the loss of loved ones, the use of medications, and the onset of various diseases can have repercussions on the mental health of the elderly, including increasing susceptibility to depression. The prevalence of depression in the elderly varies between geographic regions, as well as between urban and rural centers. People aged 60 years or older are considered elderly, and it is shown that the world population is aging due to the increase in longevity, depression is increasingly present in the life of the elderly, compromising their routine and significantly altering their quality of life.  This disease does not choose its victims, but affects a large part of the elderly, especially those who live in nursing homes, far from their families and, many times, isolated. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: It is essential to ensure that the elderly maintain their functional capacity in all aspects, that is, the full enjoyment of their citizenship. Everyone's knowledge about the factors that may intervene in the quality of life of the elderly population with depression is essential so that preventive measures can be adopted early, with the objective of characterizing and referring these individuals to specialized care early.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2023.007-003