Depression in older people
Older people are particularly prone to depression because of the increased likelihood that they will be experiencing stressful life events. Life events that are known risk factors for depression include physical illness (especially long-term illness, diseases affecting the nervous system, heart disease, and those illnesses that are associated with permanent disability), isolation, chronic pain and bereavement.
Even though older people may have an increased risk of depression, there is evidence that the signs of depression often go unrecognised in this age group. Signs of depression are also frequently dismissed as changes relating to the ageing process, dementia or other illnesses — both by the older person and by family, friends and doctors.
Signs of depression
Signs of depression that are commonly misinterpreted in older people can include:
- loss of interest in life;
- lack of enjoyment from normal activities;
- social withdrawal (withdrawing from family and friends);
- feelings of anxiety;
- loss of energy and enthusiasm;
- chronic unexplained pain;
- poor sleep;
- lapses in personal hygiene;
- loss of appetite; and
- difficulties with concentration or memory.
Consequences of untreated depression
It is important that depression is recognised and treated, as the disease can have a number of consequences if left untreated. Aside from the unnecessary suffering associated with untreated depression, the condition can also have a negative impact on physical health, relationships, and the ability to live independently.
In extreme cases, depression in older people is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempts.
Treatment of depression
In general, the treatment for depression in older people is the same as in younger people, and it commonly involves a combination of lifestyle modification, counselling and antidepressant medication. Treatment choices will vary, depending on the nature and severity of the depression, as well as other factors, such as a person's physical health.
Sometimes there can be a reversible cause for the depression, such as a medication that is being taken for another condition.
Prevention of depression
There is evidence that the development of depression later in life is sometimes associated with vascular disease. (Vascular disease affects the blood vessels and can cause conditions such as stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA, also called mini-stroke) and heart attack.) So you can reduce your risk of developing depression by addressing risk factors for vascular disease, for example, by stopping smoking and by treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
You can also reduce your risk of developing depression in your senior years by exercising regularly, keeping your mind active, and participating in social activities. Other important preventive measures, when required, include control of chronic pain and grief counselling.
Last Reviewed: 17 June 2008
