In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.

Although sadness touches all our lives, true depression is different in its intensity and persistence.

What's the difference between a bad case of the blues and the painful mental disorder known as depression? According to the experts, impaired functioning is usually a clear-cut indication of clinical depression.

Because depression isn't a normal part of growing older, it's important to learn the signs of this condition and seek help if you or a loved one could be suffering from it.

It is estimated that two-thirds of people who complete suicide suffer from depression at the time of their deaths.

Depression is widely misunderstood, leading many people to believe myths about the condition, the people who have it, and its treatment.

The social support of friends and family can provide a buffer to loneliness, depression, stress, and isolation, all of which can impair mental health.