Depression is a common mental illness in older adults and with the projected increase in population of older adults, depression in older adults is likely to result in greater demand on mental and physical health care services and also increased healthcare costs. Depression in older adults is underreported, underdiagnosed and undertreated and is associated with increased disability, increased mortality and poorer recovery from physical illness. The presentation of depression in older adults is often significantly different from younger adults and presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. This article provides an overview of depression in older adults and highlights the salient features in its presentation and management.