A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that traditional depression screening methods may over diagnose depression in these older adults. The study’s authors also conclude that many seniors’ depressive symptoms can be treated effectively through encouraging engagement.

Researchers at Iowa State University studied 323 people divided into three groups: those over 60, those over 80, and those over 100 years old. Researchers found that those over 100 years old scored higher for depression on the standard Geriatric Depression Scale. These older seniors however overwhelming said that they were in “good spirits.”

When researchers looked at the specific questions, centenarians were less likely than their younger counterparts to agree with statements like: “I feel downhearted,” “I am not satisfied with life,” or “I do not enjoy getting up in the morning.”  Those over 100 years old were more likely to agree with statements that describe themselves as less active or less energetic, statements that may have more to do with physical impairments than their psychological state."A centenarian is probably going to tell you, 'I'm not going to live much longer,'” said Peter Martin, a gerontology researcher and one of the study's authors. Although the sentiment would be a good indicator of depression for someone in their twenties, it is a reality for centenarians.

Martin goes on to say that centenarians who are depressed often need to get more meaning in their lives. Allowing and encouraging the individual to contribute to his or her community or engaging the individual in activities he or she enjoys can do wonders for depressed seniors. "Their life is not over yet. It's the last chapter of the book, but sometimes the last chapter of the book has the most interesting stuff in it," said Martin.

Read more about the study out of Iowa State University.

Resources

• More senior living news articles
• Public policy news
• Press releases
• Subscribe