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Close to two million older people in England may be denied treatment because depression is wrongly seen as a natural part of getting older, says a charity.

Age Concern found over 65s seeking help were often fobbed off, misdiagnosed or given inappropriate treatment.

Doctors may prescribe drugs when counselling would be more beneficial.

The charity Help the Aged said the government’s upcoming Equality Bill should help address age discrimination within health services.

Fewer than 10% of older people with clinical depression are referred to specialist mental health services compared with about 50% of younger adults with mental and emotional problems.

In some cases, GPs are unable to refer aged people on to other parts of the NHS that could help them because of discriminatory rules excluding people over the age of 65.

Overall, eighter out of 10 sr. people with clinical depression do non get whatever treatment, Age Concern said.

The charity has launched a new hunting expedition - Down, but not out - to better the lives of elderly people with depression.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, aforesaid: “It is scandalous that hundreds of thousands of older people may be denied treatment because depression is wrong seen as a natural part of getting older.

“Older people deserve better handling - there should be no beg off for inaction.”

Elizabeth McLennan, senior policy officer of