According to the U.S. Census Bureau, America's population age 65 and older grew by 74 percent between 1970 and 1999 - from 20 million to almost 35 million. The median age of the population has increased significantly from 28 in 1970 to almost 36 years of age in 1999. However, this recent growth of the elderly population will appear slow when compared to predictions for the next three decades. The elderly population will grow even more rapidly as 76 million baby boomers reach age 65 and older between 2010 and 2030. By 2030, older adults will account for 20

"Use it or lose it"-Practicing memory and other cognitive strategies by doing crossword puzzles, playing bridge, engaging in other challenging mental activities.

For the older adult there is the concern that a decreased mental capacity is normal with ageing. This myth has been perpetuated within our society. " Many people mistakenly believe that mental disorders like depression or dementia are normal in older people and that no effective treatments are available. Another myth suggests that older people cannot change, experience psychological and spiritual growth, or contribute to society. Therefore, efforts to enhance their mental health are futile." (Older Adults and Mental Health, 2001)

Alzheimer's disease costs the U.S. at least $100 billion a year. Neither Medicare nor private health insurance covers the type of long-term care most patients need.

Mental disorders represent a grave threat to the health and well being of older adults. Older adults have the highest rates of suicide in the United States and while they represent only 13 percent of the population, individuals ages 65 and over account for 20 percent of all suicides. White men ages 85 and older are especially vulnerable with a suicide rate six times greater than that of the general population. Mental disorders can also negatively affect the ability of older people to recover from other health problems. Heart attacks are five times more likely to be fatal for a person who is depressed. The risk of death for nursing home residents with major depression is 60 percent higher than for residents who do not have this mental disorder.

"Older Americans are disproportionately likely to commit suicide. Comprising only 13 percent of the U.S. population, individuals ages 65 and older accounted for 19 percent of all suicide deaths in 1997. The highest rate is for white men ages 85 and older: 64.9 deaths per 100,000 persons in 1997, about 6 times the national U.S. rate of 10.6 per 100,000." (Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts, 2001)

First let's discuss the subject of depression. Depression affects a large group of older adults in America. "An estimated 6 percent of Americans ages 65 and older in a given year, or approximately 2 million of the 34 million adults in this age group in 1998, have a diagnosable depressive illness (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or dysthymic disorder)." (Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts, 2001) The person suffering from depression is not just being sad or feeling down but unable to function effectively. "In contrast to the normal emotional experiences of sadness, grief, loss, or passing mood states, depressive disorders can be extreme and persistent and can interfere significantly with an individual's ability to function." (Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts, 2001)

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Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)