Factors Contributing to Mental Health Treatment of the Elderly

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Abstract
In an attempt to understand the factors which contribute to the need for mental health treatment, the present study compared two groups of elderly individuals age 55 or older. One group was in an outpatient mental health program and the other attended senior nutrition sites. Comparison of variables known to affect mental health status were made between the admission characteristics of the treatment group and those already attending the nutrition sites. Discriminant analyses suggested that age, depression, and the number of friends an elderly person has were potential predictors of the need for mental health treatment. Those who completed the treatment program began to resemble their counterparts at the nutrition sites in terms of lowered depression scores, improved life satisfaction, and increased social contacts. Implications for mental health intervention for the elderly, particularly the importance of the social support network, are discussed.

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