Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Background: Depression is a common mental health condition that increases with age, yet diagnosing depression in older adults is challenging due to co-occurring physical illnesses and overlapping symptoms of aging. Objective: This study examines the relationship between depression and well-being by comparing two age groups: adults aged 20-59 and older adults aged 60 and above. Material and Methods: A total of 120 participants were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure depression levels and a Well-Being Scale evaluating mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Results indicated that older adults reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than younger adults. Paradoxically, they also exhibited greater overall well-being. Further analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between depression and several well-being dimensions, particularly mental, social, and spiritual well-being among older adults. Conclusion: These findings suggest that while aging may increase vulnerability to depression, older individuals may also develop coping mechanisms, resilience, or life satisfaction that enhance their well-being. This study highlights the complex interplay between aging, depression, and well-being, emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions for older adults. Given the rapid global increase in the elderly population, future research should explore longitudinal trends to inform effective, age-specific mental health policies and interventions.