Abstract

The promotion and protection of the emotional well-being of older adults is a relevant challenge, given the increase in life expectancy and demographic changes. Although many older adults experience “successful aging” and positive emotional well-being, biological, psychological, and social factors may favor the development of depressive disorders, one of the frequent and disabling diagnoses of mental health in this age group. The prevention of depressive episodes in older adults is, thus, an important line of action to support their well-being and quality of life. This includes actions at various levels to reduce risk factors and enhance protective ones. This chapter offers a broad perspective of the available findings regarding the prevention and early intervention of depression in older adults. The first section analyzes the consequences and main risk factors of this health concern. The second section covers the general characteristics of the prevention of depression in this age group. The third describes the results of efficacy studies of specific psychosocial preventive programs based on different components (physical exercise, mind-body connection, psychological, and multicomponent approaches), while the fourth and final section comments on the background presented and outlines future challenges.