The authors studied depression, using Zung´s self-rating depression scales in 339 older males, and compared the results with those of 522 older females who lived in the Seoul, Taegu, and Gyong San areas during the period from the beginning of october 1983 until the end of June 1984.
The summary of results is as follows,
1. There was a significant difference in the means of total depression scores between the two groups. The older female were more depressive than the older male.
2. The depression scores relating to hopelessness, personal devaluation, dissatisfaction, psychomotor retardation and emptiness were relatively high in both groups.
The scores of psychomotor agitation, crying spells, constipation and suicidal rumination were lower in both groups.
3 . The 111 older males (33.7%) showed rather serious depression levels with scores of 50 or higher, while the 295 older female(56.5%) showed the same score.
4. Among these psychosocial factors, aging, occupation, supporter and living places are related to depression scores significantly in both male and female aging. And older females are more depressive than older male in the case of supporter(self, sons), no occupation, illiteracy and no religion.
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