Depression, Hopelessness, and Suicidal Ideation among the Elderly: A Comparison between Veterans and New Immigrants

Abstract

The study attempts to compare between levels of depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation among two groups of independent and relatively independent elderly in Israel: a) old immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU); and b) veteran persons who live in Israel since 1948 or earlier. The research assumption was that depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation will be found in higher levels among old immigrants compared to those veterans in Israel. Three hundred and seventy-six elderly immigrants and 392 veterans participated in the study. Findings show negatively significant differences regarding hopelessness, helplessness and depression among immigrants compared to those veterans. The conclusions of the study indicate the need for paying interdisciplinary attention to the mental health of elderly immigrants.