Predictors of depression among the elderly: Racial differences over time.

Depressive symptomatology and correlates of depression were compared in 600 white and 600 black elderly people over a period of 18 months. Overall, factors associated with depression were found to be similar for both groups. They included prior depression; social and medical stressors; poor ego; and social networks that were small, with which contact was infrequent, and from which emotional support was lacking. Implications for intervention are offered.