Summary:

This study aimed to identify the gaps in current knowledge and research on depression and anxiety amongst older adults (those aged over 65 years) in Australia.

It included the following activities:

• A review of published peer reviewed literature;
• A survey of people currently undertaking research into older age depression;
• Advisory group consultations;
• Analysis of findings of a consumer survey (conducted by beyondblue);
• A review of beyondblue’s Depression Monitor.

The project has identified some gaps in current research on late-life depression and anxiety in Australia, including:

• Little research regarding people with special needs, such as older Indigenous people, older people from CALD backgrounds and people in rural and remote areas.
• A need for more research into the role of primary health care in detecting and managing depression and anxiety.
• Less research in late-life anxiety compared to late-life depression.
• Limited research on the efficacy of psychological approaches to treatment of late-life depression and anxiety.

Based on the findings a range of recommendations were proposed.

Final Report available here....

Note: This project is also listed under Research / Falls Prevention / Resources and Reviews

Year: 1998-99

Staff: Keith Hill, Belinda Gilsenan, Ngaire Kerse, Frances Lentini

Summary: This project involved two components:
1 ) investigating trends in falls incidence and prevalence through analysis of existing data bases, and
2) development of an evidence based rating system for use in the evaluation of existing falls prevention programs.

Over 130 falls prevention programs from across Australia have been investigated and a data-base of these programs established as a resource for government and service providers.

Funding source: Victorian Department of Human Services

Year: 1998

Summary: A project to review the utility and application of the Senior Stats software package, and to make recommendations about future program development. In addition, this project included review, analysis and write-up of the 1996/97 HACC and Linkages data collections for Victoria. We also proposed a framework for estimation of the size of the HACC user population from available data.

Funding source: Victorian Department of Human Services

Year: 1996

Summary: The aim of the project was to compare the broad range of needs identified through focus groups with Veterans' and their carers with the compiled information held by the Dept. on the needs of Veterans'. This information was used by the DVA in service development plans.

Funding source: Department of Veteran’s Affairs

Summary: This project involved a review of the available data on current and projected use by veterans of residential care and community alternatives to residential care. This study has contributed to a larger review being undertaken for the ESO Round Table.

Funding source: Department of Veteran’s Affairs