This article focuses on the assessment and management of depression in older people in primary care. Depression in older people is a common mental health problem. There are diagnostic challenges for professionals assessing older people with depression, which can be overcome by thorough assessment and use of an appropriate rating scale. The well-established biopsychosocial model of depression for older people includes evidence-based interventions for its management such as antidepressant therapy, psychological interventions and awareness of social factors.