Depression Among Massachusetts’ Elderly People

Depression Among Massachusetts’ Elderly People
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Depression Among Massachusetts’ Elderly People
Massachusetts state has some of the most diversified populations with unique health needs. The most recent healthy aging report reveals that the state is currently home to over 1 million older people, representing 15% of the overall population in the region (Gerontology Institute, 2018). This figure is an increase of approximately 125,000 from the 2015 data report. Trends reveal that the older population in Massachusetts is becoming younger, as demonstrated by the increasing percentage from 49.8% to 55.3% of individuals aged 65 – 74 years. The most impressive aspect is that America’s Health Rankings (2018) considers the state the 7th healthiest for this population.
Although Massachusetts has significantly improved the health of its aging population, statistics reveal that depression has worsened since 2015. According to the Gerontology Institute (2018), researchers estimate the depression rate as 31% among this population in the state. The rate varies from one part of Massachusetts to another, with some areas having lower rates, like 20%, and others as high as 49% in Princeton and Springfield, respectively (Gerontology Institute, 2018). Since this health need arises from loneliness, comorbidities, and inaccessibility of psychological care, Massachusetts has initiated appropriate intervention initiatives to alleviate the problem. Some of the existing efforts comprise integrated mental health services specially designed for t...