Statement on Mental Health Taskforce report
Published on 15 February 2016 10:30 AM
Age UK statement in response to the Publication of Mental Health Taskforce report published today.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said:
'We are pleased that the Mental Health Taskforce has been set up and welcome this report. It is time that older people's mental health is given the attention it urgently needs. 22 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women over 65 and up to 40 per cent of all care home residents are living with depression and many are not getting the help they need.
We know that the risk factors for depression tend to increase as we get older - bereavement, poor physical health and loneliness can all lead to depression but too many older people living with mental illness remain ignored or neglected and all too often are told, quite incorrectly, that it is just part of the ageing process.
We need the right experts treating the right people effectively and with compassion and understanding whatever their age.'
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