Exploring Gender-Specific Mental Health Challenges: Anxiety, Depression and Stress among Elderly Persons

Abstract

Old age is a critical stage of life, characterized by various challenges, including physical, emotional and social changes. As individuals age, their health, independence, and social relationships often undergo significant transformations. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific needs and well-being of elderly people. The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of depression, anxiety and stress among elderly aged 60 to 70, with a particular focus on gender differences. A total of 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) were randomly selected from the Almora district of Uttarakhand. The Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale developed by Bhatnagar et al. (2011) was used for data collection. The mean, S.D. and t-values were calculated as part of data analysis in order to determine the gender differences in stress, anxiety, and depression. The results revealed that significant difference was found at 0.05 level between males and females on the level of anxiety, depression and stress.