Depression in the Elderly examines theoretical aspects of depression, its symptoms and risk factors, ageing, old age and the elderly, the families of depressed old people, and practical aspects resulting from quantitative and qualitative research on a significant sample of old people from the point of view of the main psycho-social factors involved in depression in the elderly: sudden retirement, losses (of the partner, of the adult child, of social status, of health), poverty, loneliness, and social isolation. This book will appeal to a wide and diversified range of professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, doctors, academics, researchers, priests and students, as well as people aged over 50 and families willing to help their ageing relatives avoid depression. The book will be of use to both professionals in the field of social work and for people preparing to make a step forward in life.