Older Australians battling anxiety and depression will be the focus of sorely-needed research designed to save lives.
The federal government and beyondblue are each contributing $2.5 million towards a range of new projects aimed at combating mental illness among the elderly.
Health Minister Greg Hunt will announce the funding package in Sydney on Thursday morning.
He points out older Australians are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health conditions, which are exacerbated by declining physical health, chronic pain, loneliness and grief.
One research project looks at improving health and social participation among older Australians with mental illness, while another includes a trial aimed at decreasing the prevalence of depression in nursing homes.
Some 10 to 15 per cent of older adults in Australia experience depression but this rate soars to about 30 per cent for people living in residential aged care.
"The highest suicide rate among men remains in the 85-and-over bracket. These projects will save lives," Mr Hunt said.
Georgie Harman, chief executive of beyondblue, said the mental health of older Australians was too often overlooked.
Ms Harman committed to not only co-funding the research but sharing the findings to drive policy and advocacy.
"We can't forget about the mental health and wellbeing of generations who have contributed so much to our communities," she said.
