This research examined gender differences with regard to the effects of social density and stressors upon depressive symptomatology among 600 Black elderly community residents (aged 55-85 years) of Nashville, Tennessee. The sample had more females than males and fewer married individuals. Approximately half of the males and females lived alone. Regression analyses show that poor ego and chronic medical problems were the common predictors of depression among both the males and females. Gender differences were found with regard to life events in that females tended to become more depressed as the number of events increased and as level of contact with relatives and friends decreased. Further, females with lower levels of social attachment, guidance, and reliability were more depressed. None of these social support dimensions related to depression among the males. These relationships tended to be stronger for those living alone than for those living with others.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a therapeutic health program which was offered in 1988 to the black elderly living in subsidized high-rise apartments in Nashville. The pre-program data (of 1987) indicated distinct differences in that the elderly living in the high-rises had significantly more medical problems, higher levels of depression, and smaller social support networks than those living in their own single dwelling homes. The therapeutic program included various modules such as cognitive and grief therapy, reminiscence therapy, social skills and remotivation therapy. Analyses of pre-post measures of selected variables showed that the program was effective in improving the health status of the participants. As compared to a non-treatment control group, the elderly in the experimental group showed significant improvements in depression, social network, and a sense of control over their lives. A discussion of these findings is provided.

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