The effect of depressive symptoms on quality of life and its different facets in the oldest age population: evidence from the AgeQualiDe prospective cohort study.

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the prospective effect of depressive symptoms on overall QoL in the oldest age group, taking into account its different facets.

Methods: Data were derived from the multicenter prospective AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe cohort study, including data from follow-up 7-9 and n = 580 individuals 85 years of age and older. Overall QoL and its facets were assessed using the WHOQOL-OLD instrument.

Unmet health care needs in old age and their association with depression - results of a population-representative survey.

Background: Due to the demographic changes, unmet health care needs are expected to increase in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of met and unmet needs and their association with depression in old age.

Methods: Based on a population-representative telephone survey of the elderly population aged 75 + years and older, a sample of 845 individuals was assessed via structured clinical interviews.