Elderly The elderly population consists of people aged 65 years and older (Miller, & Stoeckel, 2011). Depression is greater in women than men, however the cause is unknown (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Both males and females who have been previously depressed or who have a biological relative with depression have an increased risk of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Older adults admitted to long-term care facilities have a higher rate of depression diagnoses (14-42%) than those who continue to live within the community (1%-5%), therefore levels of depression diagnosed vary depending on where they are found. residence (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). A recent Canadian study shows that 44% of older adults living in residential facilities have been diagnosed with depression or have symptoms of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Depression can cause higher mortality rates, even when additional risk factors are considered, however, the reasons are not fully understood (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Studies have shown that older adults with depression are one and a half to two times more likely to die than those without depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Depression is a common mental disorder affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide (World Health Organization (WHO), 2014). In the worst case, depression can lead to suicide, with approximately 1 million deaths per year (WHO, 2014). Because depression is a mood disorder, it can affect many aspects of health and can prevent older adults from enjoying life (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Seniors living with depression may suffer from sleep disturbances, aches and pains, fatigue and weight changes. Retrieved from http://www.providencecare.ca/CareServices/outpatient-mental-health/Pages/Outpatient-Mood-Disorders.aspxPublic Health Agency of Canada. (2010). Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2010: Chapter 3: The health and well-being of older Canadians. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-respcacsp/2010/fr-rc/cphorsphc-respcasp-06-eng.phpSmith, M., Johnson, K., Seydel, L., & Buckwalter, K. (2010). Depression training for nurses: Evaluation of an innovative program. Research in Gerontological Nursing,3(3), 162-175. doi:10.3928/19404921-20100527-99Stamler, L., & Yiu, L. (2012). Community health nursing: A Canadian perspective (3rd ed.). Toronto: Pearson Education.World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/