Seniors go online for ‘blues’ info

The number of older Australians turning to the internet to find information about depression has increased three-fold; a new survey released recently shows.

beyondblue chief executive, Kate Carnell AO, says beyondblue’s Depression Monitor survey shows in the past seven years, the number of older Australians seeking online information about depression has been up from 10% in 2005 to 30% in 2012.

beyondblue is a major not-for-profit organisation which works to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.

“We know older people are often reluctant to talk to friends and family about their mental health. If they can use a computer and search the internet, there is a wealth of reliable information online about depression and anxiety including interactive checklists and e-health programs that they can look at privately,” Ms Carnell says.

According to Ms Carnell, we also know older people tend to focus on their physical health and are comfortable accepting treatment for those ailments, but often they don’t want to talk about their mental health.

“However, what they might not realise is that some physical ailments may be symptoms of depression or anxiety, and these problems can be alleviated with the right treatment,” she says.

Older people are at risk of developing depression and anxiety due to a range of reasons including physical health problems, chronic pain, medication side-effects, social isolation and feelings of loss associated with reduced independence, work and income, mobility and relationships.

“beyondblue is aware of the importance of having information available online specifically for older people,” Ms Carnell says.

According to research by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation at Swinburne University of Technology, older age groups experienced the most growth in internet usage between 2007 and 2009 with the 50 to 64 years group going from 66.1% to 79.2%, and those aged 65 years or over, up from 29.8% to 40.0%.

beyondblue has dedicated information page for older people, as well as checklists to check symptoms of depression or anxiety and an interactive awareness exercise (designed for use in the workplace, but suitable for everyone) that will test your knowledge about depression and anxiety.

“We know that being isolated and feeling lonely may contribute to depression, so connecting with people online is a great way to stay in touch, find information and even try some online therapy,” she says.

While the precise rates of depression and anxiety in older people are not yet known, a recent study commissioned by beyondblue suggests 10% to 15% of older people living in the community experience depression symptoms, and about 10% experience anxiety.

Rates of depression in residential aged care facilities are thought to be much higher, with another Australian study showing 34.7% of aged care residents experience depression.

If you, or someone you care about, need help with depression or more information visit beyondblue.org.au or call Lifeline 13 11 14.