Comparative Study on Depression among Old Age Persons Residing with Family and Old Age Homes

Depression is a common public health issue with the increasing life expectancy worldwide and depression is associated with morbidity as well as disability among the old age people. The aim of present research is to find out the level of depression among the male and female old age people living in old age homes and residing with family. The researcher has used Depression scale of MMPI translated by Dr. J.M.Jotwani (1967) as a tool. The present study was confined to 120 old age people living in old age homes and residing with family from Ahmedabad city.  Statistical measures like mean, SD and student‘t’ test were applied. The finding reveals that there is significant difference in older people living in old age home and residing with family on level of depression. The consequently depression in later life is seen as being justified and understandable as all older people descend into dependency. As depression in older people is often associated with economic and social complicatedness and reduced health, any measures that can improve their general welfare and living standards may help to prevent the occurrence of depression.