Mental Health Matters: Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults

The McMaster Health Forum, with support from the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative, recently hosted a public talk with Michael Landsberg (former host of TSN’s Off The Record and well-known mental health advocate) and Dr. Doug Oliver (a family physician with a passion for supporting the physical and mental health of older adults) to engage in an open discussion on depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges facing older adults.

>> Watch the highlights from our public talk:

An estimated one in ten Canadian adults will experience major depression in their lives. For seniors in assisted living facilities, the rate of anxiety and depression increases significantly. The social stigma around mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment, but to acceptance in the community.

Michael Landsberg and Dr. Oliver delivered an engaging talk and encouraged anyone with depression not to be ashamed, but instead to ask for help. Depression is not a normal part of aging. It’s an illness, not a weakness, for which there are many effective treatment options.

The recording of this public talk is now available on our YouTube channel. Recordings from other events in the optimal aging series are also available.