SeniorsThe elderly population consists of people aged 65 and older (Miller and Stoeckel, 2011). Depression is more common among women than men, but the cause is unknown (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Men and women who have previously suffered from depression or who have a biological parent with depression are at increased risk of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Older adults living in long-term care facilities have a higher rate of depression diagnosis (14% to 42%) than those who continue to live in the community (1% to 5%). Therefore, levels of diagnosed depression fluctuate depending on place of residence. residence (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). A recent Canadian study shows that 44% of older adults living in care facilities have been diagnosed with depression or have symptoms of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Depression may lead to higher mortality rates, even when additional risk factors are taken into account, but the reasons are not fully understood (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Studies have shown that older adults with depression are one and a half to two times more likely to die than those without depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Depression is a common mental disorder that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide (World Health Organization (WHO), 2014). In the worst cases, depression can lead to suicide, with approximately 1 million deaths per year (WHO, 2014). Since depression is a mood disorder, it can affect many aspects of health and prevent older adults from enjoying life (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Older adults with depression may experience trouble sleeping, body aches, fatigue and weight changes...... middle of paper ......ders. Retrieved from http://www.providencecare.ca/CareServices/outpatient-mental-health/Pages/Outpatient-Mood-Disorders.aspxPublic Health Agency of Canada. (2010). Report of the Chief Public Health Officer on the State of Public Health in Canada 2010: Chapter 3: The health and well-being of Canadian seniors. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-respcacsp/2010/fr-rc/cphorsphc-respcacsp-06-eng.phpSmith, M., Johnson, K., Seydel, L. and Buckwalter , K. (2010). Depression training for nurses: evaluation of an innovative program. Gerontological Nursing Research,3(3), 162-175. doi:10.3928/19404921-20100527-99Stamler, L. & Yiu, L. (2012). Community health nursing: a Canadian perspective (3rd ed.). Toronto: Pearson Education. World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/