Mental health: Depression among Ireland's elderly often goes undetected or overlooked, according to a new guide, which says that one in 10 people over 65 suffer from depression.
Irish charity Aware said it was the most common health disorder in later life, with a particularly high rate of suicide among older males.
It said it often happened through indirect means, such as self-induced starvation or failure to take important drugs.
Aware has just published a guide entitled Depression in Later Life to highlight the increasing rate of depressive illness in people aged over 65.
The booklet stresses the need for early intervention and a holistic approach to treating elderly people with depression. It also recommends "removing the stigma" surrounding the disease.
One in 10 people over 65 suffer from depression, making it the most common mental health disorder in later life.
Despite its prevalence, depression among the aged is commonly dismissed as "justified and understandable, as all seniors descend into dependency and disability", according to Aware.
According to the guide, society is, therefore, willing to accept and tolerate a lower level of functioning among the elderly.
Aware's chairwoman, Annette Byrne, said depression in later life was a neglected issue.
"When people are getting on in years, we're too quick to make excuses when in fact they may need medical intervention."
Furthermore, older people are often reluctant and embarrassed to discuss mental or emotional issues. One of the guide's authors, Dr Declan Lyons, said many older people did not discuss personal problems because they feared ending up in a psychological institution.
The brochure states that the stigma around mental health problems must be removed. It recommends increasing knowledge of depression among older people and their families, and advocates a positive approach to detection and assessment.
Depression among the elderly can prove difficult for doctors to diagnose, as its symptoms often overlap with physical illness. Nonetheless, the guide emphasises the importance of early intervention and prompt treatment to prevent crisis and severe distress.
People over 65 with a depressive disorder require a "combination of physical, psychological and social interventions" to achieve recovery and prevent relapse.
The booklet emphasises the role of relations in aiding recovery. Family members are encouraged to openly discuss depression with elderly relatives and provide practical support regarding medication and visits to the GP.
Dr Lyons hopes the detection and treatment of depression in later life will continue to progress.
"For too long, both society and the medical profession have automatically equated being old with being miserable. This does not have to be the case."