With one or more of the 11 "alternative therapies" described in this book, health care and social work professionals can significantly reduce the onset, duration, and severity of depressive symptoms in older people. The secret is to involve the adults in activities or interactions that help them recapture their sense of worth, their feelings of life satisfaction.

Derived from successful research findings, the nonpharmacological therapies found here include gardening, pet care, reading, reminiscence, exercise, music, creative arts, support groups, and more.

A Life Worth Living provides complete explanations of how to implement a therapeutic plan using each intervention. Revealing case studies demonstrate their efficacy. Whether you're working with older adults living independently or in congregate care settings, you can begin implementing depression-reducing programs today ... using this single, practical resource!