Psychological distress among the community elderly: prevalence, characteristics and implications for service

This paper reports the results of a survey of elderly persons living in a predominantly blue collar, New England town. Data about psychological distress and its relationship to demographic and social interaction characteristics are explored. Vulnerability to the stresses of aging increases where there is a habitual pattern of dependency, poor interpersonal skills and lack of social initiatives. Mental health services were not reaching the elderly in need and there was minimal utilization of other helping services. Some possible preventive interventions are discussed.