"It's not normal to be depressed in old age" – the Siegener Zeitung reports on a research project on depression in older adults

Depression in older adults is often not recognized at all or is recognized only late. In an interview with the Siegener Zeitung, Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier explains why depressive symptoms in older adults require special attention and why early detection is crucial.

The article, published on August 8, 2026, presents a joint project between the University of Siegen and the association “In Würde alt werden e. V.” The focus is on the DiA-S Pantomime, a digital adaptation of the Depression in Old Age Scale (DiA-S). The application combines written and spoken language with a pantomime representation of each question. This is intended to make the tool more accessible, particularly for people who find it difficult to complete conventional questionnaires.

As part of the project, the app is currently being further developed and scientifically evaluated. Among other things, the study is examining how reliably and validly the DiA-S Pantomime assesses depressive symptoms in people aged 65 and older.

Participants aged 65 and older are still being sought for the ongoing study—including both people without depressive symptoms and those with depressive symptoms. The interviews can take place at home, in a long-term care facility, or at the University of Siegen.

Learn more about the project and how to participate:
Link to the project page

To the article in the Siegener Zeitung:
Link to the newspaper article