GPs and therapists have been accused of “blatant” ageism after researchers found that older people with mental health problems were far less likely to be offered treatment, even though they are almost twice as likely to benefit.
Doctors have been urged to stop thinking that being miserable is part of getting old and be alert to signs of depression and anxiety in elderly patients.
According to research led by Richard Byng of Plymouth University, people aged 20-24 were most likely to get help, with 23 per cent of those with problems referred for talking therapy. This fell steadily with age to six per cent among those aged 70-74, researchers report in the British Journal of General Practice.
Only 13 per cent of 18-year-olds who had therapy saw meaningful improvement in their condition, compared with 21 per cent of those aged between 65 and 69.
Professor Byng said that GPs “should do more to discuss mental health problems with their older patients”.