Mind Yourself - Depression in Later Life guide launched

Speaking at the launch today of ‘Mind Yourself, Depression in Later Life’, a guide to help older people who may have depression, Catherine Rose, CEO of Age & Opportunity urged communities ‘to routinely think of inclusion of all older people in all aspects of community life and to encourage older people to cooperate amongst themselves to achieve this.’

In welcoming the launch of the guide which makes it clear that depression is not an inevitable part of ageing Rose said,  ‘the aim should be to empower older people to be part of the solution to the problems they face and that are faced generally in the community. Many older people have faced a lifetime of disadvantage and structural inequality. Disadvantage that begins in youth generally becomes cumulative in older age when you add in acquired physical impairment, poor health, social and transport services. This ‘empowerment’ approach is likely to be more effective in the long run than treating people as passive recipients of care.’

National and local voluntary organisations, including Age & Opportunity, are already filling a vital niche in promoting greater participation by older people in society, in promoting health and mental well-being, and in working to further realise the potential of older people as contributors to their communities. 

Age & Opportunity offers a suite of diverse programmes that reach multiple audiences and meet a number of needs – physical, social, health and well-being, cultural and emotional – all relevant to the quality of life of older people, as defined by the World Health Organization .

Age & Opportunity programmes hold potential to enhance quality of life – they offer meaning to people in whatever way they wish to find it.  The programmes are instrumental in promoting positive physical and mental health and are preventive in terms of reducing risk of physical disability, depression and cognitive decline through quality meaningful experiences.

For further information about any aspect of Age & Opportunity programmes see www.ageandopportunity.ie; email info@ageandopportunity.ie or contact Sue Russell, Media & Promotions Coordinator on 01 805 7709