COTA and beyondblue join forces to fight depression in older people
Two national bodies which are experts on ageing and depression, the Council on the Ageing and beyondblue, have got together to raise awareness of depression in older people through a national peer education program.
The CEO of beyondblue, Leonie Young, said “depression is not to be expected in old age but it is a widespread health problem that is very often not recognized, misdiagnosed, and poorly treated. Many older people and their carers either are not aware of the common signs and symptoms of depression, or don’t want to admit to them for fear of being seen as ‘weak’ or senile”.
“We know that older people are receptive to health information from their peers. We’re very excited to be working with COTA across Australia on this project and for people to know how to access help”, Ms Young said.
