In an attempt to understand the factors which contribute to the need for mental
health treatment, the present study compared two groups of elderly individuals age
55 or older. One group was in an outpatient mental health program and the other
attended senior nutrition sites. Comparison of variables known to affect mental
health status were made between the admission characteristics of the treatment group
and those already attending the nutrition sites. Discriminant analyses suggested
that age, depression, and the number of friends an elderly person has were potential
predictors of the need for mental health treatment. Those who completed the
treatment program began to resemble their counterparts at the nutrition sites in
terms of lowered depression scores, improved life satisfaction, and increased social
contacts. Implications for mental health intervention for the elderly, particularly
the importance of the social support network, are discussed.
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