Social factors and depression in late life.

Depression is a common mental health problem facing the elderly that is often overlooked and subsequently untreated by health care professionals. Recognition of the problem can be aided by knowledge of the causes or at least the factors associated with it. Identification of specific social factors has important implications for geropsychiatric nursing practice, education, and research. The major social factors associated with depression in late life are reviewed. The contributions of social factors to the onset, course, and duration of depression are presented. Future research directions are also discussed.