Depression and Self-Reported Disability Among Older People in Western Europe

Objective: To analyze the existing levels of depression among older people (aged 50 or older) with and without disabilities at a European level. Methods: We analyse and compare the levels of depression among people with and without disabilities in 11 Western European countries through the use of the indicator EURO-D. We employ a logistic model for each country to estimate the effects of self-reported disability on the likelihood of being depressed. Results: Older people with disabilities suffer higher levels of depression as compared with their nondisabled counterparts, especially among women. Furthermore, significant regional differences in the levels of depression are found. Discussion: The high prevalence of depression among disabled older individuals is a phenomenon of especial interest and medical, social, and economic relevance within Europe and has important effects on the levels of well-being, employment and income reported by all older people in general, and disabled older people in particular.