Depression Check for Older Adults
GDS-15 (Geriatric Depression Scale — 15-item)
About this check
The GDS-15 was designed specifically for adults over 65. It uses plain yes/no questions and avoids symptoms that overlap with normal ageing or physical illness (like tiredness or appetite changes), so it gives a cleaner signal in older adults than general depression scales.
Important: This is a screener, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a conversation with a doctor, who should also consider physical illness, medication effects, and cognitive changes.
What your score means
Normal range · score 0–4
Your score is in the normal range for older adults. No particular concern on this screen.
Suggestive of depression · score 5–9
Your score is in the range that suggests mild to moderate depression. Older adults often under-report low mood, so this signal is worth taking seriously.
Severe depression · score 10–15
Your score suggests severe depression. In older adults, this level often intertwines with loneliness, loss, and physical health problems.
How it works
Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week.
If you are in crisis: Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24/7, many Indian languages) or 112 for emergencies. You can also reach iCall, Vandrevala Foundation, or AASRA.