Abstract
Objective: To understand depression in the elderly, the profile and the process of prevention and treatment of signs and symptoms. Methodology: Methodology: Integrative literature review was done using the bases: Virtual Health Library (VHL): Latin American and Caribbean System of information in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). The scientific studies published in the last 10 years, published in full, between 2007 and 2017 were selected. The following terms were used: "Depression in the elderly"; "Symptoms of Depression"; "Prevention of Depression" and "Treatment of Depression". Results: After comparing the results found with the literature review that depression in the elderly is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders. It is believed that as the age increases, more depressive symptoms are presented, through intensified complaints of illness and the presence of anxiety. For better quality the elderly need to know about their condition and the diseases that can affect him, which helps him to promote his own health, reducing suffering. Contributing to active aging, making it participatory in society, where it demonstrates autonomy over one's own old age. Final considerations: It has been evidenced from the literature that there is a need to act in a preventive way, together with the elderly, it is urgent. The practice and development of leisure activities have been shown in the lives of the elderly as a factor of great importance. Leisure contributes to a better state of mind and, in the case of the elderly, reduces the effects of the aging process.