Depression In Older Adults

As we age, some of the changes we experience can make us feel sad or uncomfortable. Children move out of the home, we retire from our careers, loved ones have health struggles or pass away, and we lose the ability to do some of the things we once loved. Though these changes are a natural part of aging, prolonged depression is not. However, it can sometimes be a common mental health issue among seniors. Read on to learn about why depression happens in seniors and what to do about it.

Seniors and Depression

Older adults are at a greater risk for depression, for a few reasons. For one, it can occur comorbidly, meaning depression happens in conjunction with another serious medical condition. Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer become more common as we age, and these conditions can worsen depression or vice versa. In addition, seniors are often misdiagnosed, because healthcare professionals often see the symptoms of depression and attribute them simply as a part of aging, but there is nothing further from the truth.

Depression is not a normal part of aging. It is a treatable medical condition with distinct and recognizable symptoms, including changes in sleeping patterns (i.e. getting much more or less sleep than normal), changes in appetite (eating too much or having hardly any appetite), irritability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and even thoughts of suicide. 

Depression is difficult to diagnose in seniors because some of the symptoms mimic other signs of aging. As we get older, some forgetfulness, confusion, or loss of energy is common. And sometimes, seniors are hesitant to talk about how they feel. But while depression may affect older populations disproportionally, it can be treated.

Helping Seniors With Depression

If you have an aging loved one and are worried about depression, there is hope. One of the best things you can do is encourage them gently to talk about the way they feel and remind them that, while some feelings of sadness are natural over time, these feelings should not last forever. Talk to them about depression, what their symptoms are, and how it's treated, and keep an eye on their family history. If someone else in the family was diagnosed with mental illness, those genes can sometimes have an impact. 

One reality is that seniors who require ongoing medical care often experience depression at a higher rate than those who live independently and are in good health. That's why it's so important to look to in-home care before moving your loved one into a nursing facility. An in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with companionship, and a safe, loving place to talk about what may be on their mind.

At Senior Helpers of Salem, Oregon, our caregivers can help recognize the symptoms of depression in our clients, and find compassionate solutions to improve their quality of life. Our highly-trained staff can help seniors age in place gracefully while helping to keep them mentally healthy. Contact us for more information.