30 Oct 2008

As many as one in four older people in Bristol are blighted by depression, according to a new report published by Age Concern. However, most are not getting any support because the illness is often wrongly seen as a natural part of getting older.

 

Age Concern found that more than two million older people over the age of 65 in England have symptoms of depression bad enough to need help. But ageist attitudes held by many in our society, including GPs and ageist rules in the NHS mean that more than eight out of ten older people with clinical depression do not get the treatment they need.

 

Age Concern’s new campaign, ‘Down, But Not Out’, aims to improve the quality of life for older people with depression. The charity will be helping older people to recognise the symptoms of depression and encouraging them to seek help. It will also be working with GPs to improve the diagnosis of older people with depression and ensure that effective treatments are available to all, regardless of age.

 

Dianne McCarthy, Chief Officer of Age Concern Bristol comments, “Depression is the most common mental health problem in later life and should not be ignored. If it is not identified and treated, depression can lead to a life of misery. It can often cause other illnesses and in extreme cases even suicide. The negative attitude many people have towards mental health problems makes it difficult for older people to talk about their depression and ask for help. It is scandalous that when they do seek help they may be denied treatment simply because of their age.”

 

The 'Link Up' service at Age Concern Bristol provides support to older people in the community that might be experiencing social isolation, depression and / or a loss of confidence as a result. The aim of the service is to enable older people to make the most out of their lives and feel confident and part of society. This is achieved by matching volunteers with service users who encourage and support them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The project provides both long and short term support and has the ability to reunite local communities whilst supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.  Funding from the Big Lottery has now come to an end and we are currently seeking help  to continue and if possible extend this invaluable service.

 

To find out more about Link Up or any of Age Concern Bristol’s services, please contact us directly on: 0117 929 7537, e-mail admin@ageconcernbristol.org.uk or visit our website at: www.ageconcernbristol.org.uk.