Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Hacettepe Ãœniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı ANKARA With the considerable growth in the elderly population in the last years, health and care needs of the elderly became more important. The health problems, physical difficulties and losses connected with the aging process increased the prevalence of psychiatric diseases in this group. But despite women being the primary service consumers in mental health field, men are prioritized for research and supply of services. Women comprise the majority of older population due to their longer life expectancy. Unfavourable economic, social and cultural environments, and stressful conditions they are exposed to during their life-time predispose women to psychiatric disorders. Lower education levels, poverty, and lack of employment and retirement privileges are more prevalent in the elder group of women; with the new burdens of old age and the new roles undertaken, elderly women constitute a very disadvantaged group regarding mental health. During the last years with the advent of feminist movements, a ‘women's perspective' has emerged. In our country there is a need for research, health care services planning and programming with a ‘women's perspective'. Keywords : Aged; Women; Mental Disorders