The background of this study was that many elderly people in our society suffer from depression, without treatment depression can reduce their quality of life, which is high among elderly people (Spires, 2006). Treatment is therefore vital, however the most common method of treatment is medications which older people are sensitive to because of its side effects. Other treatment than drugs can therefore be used to increase the quality of life of older people and reduce unnecessary side effects from drugs.

The purpose (aim) of this study is to find out which non-pharmacological treatment that has positive impact on the elderly with depression. The method was a literature overview where articles were analyzed and summarized to a result. The results showed that several other non-pharmacological treatments could be used to reduce depression in older people. Music, physical activity and therapies are methods that have a good effect on depression in the elderly and can increase their quality of life. Conclusion of this study is that older people with depression should be treated for their mental illness health. Care workers should have the idea that other treatment than drug can be used and that other nursing has a good effect on elderly with depression