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Late-Life Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Causes

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1. Is depression normal in older people?
2. What causes depression in older people?
3. What are some of the signs of depression?
4. Common myths about depression
5. What you need to know

1. Is depression normal in older people?

Depression is NOT a normal part of getting older. Older adults go through changes that can lead to times of feeling sad. Feeling sad can be normal. But sadness that lasts a long time is not normal. Sadness that makes it hard to do things each day is not normal. It is not normal to think of suicide.

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2. What causes depression in older people?

There are many reasons for older adults to feel sad. These can be:

• Losing loved ones and friends
• Moving
• Losing ability to do things, such as driving
• Past depression
• Fear of death
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Medical illness
• Chronic or severe pain
• Some medications for health problems
• Feeling alone
• Retirement
• Having few friends
• Not spending time with other people
• Difficulty getting around due to illness

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3.  What are some of the signs of depression?

Sleeping more or less than usual is a sign of depression. Eating more or less than usual is also a sign. If you always have a headache or a stomach ache, or always hurt, you may be depressed.

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4.  Common myths about depression

MYTH

“Of course I’m depressed. You would be too if you were sick (or disabled).”

FACT

Older people who are sick are more likely to be depressed. This does not mean that depression is normal. The good news is that even for people who are sick, depression can be treated.

MYTH

“I can pull myself out of it.”

FACT

We can get out of low moods or being sad by ourselves. But true depression needs help from a professional.

MYTH

“I’m too old to change.”

FACT

Depression can be treated no matter how old you are.

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5.  What you need to know

Older people who are depressed have a higher chance of dying from a worsening medical illness or suicide. Older people who are depressed are more disabled than people who are not depressed. They also tend to recover poorly from medical illnesses such as stroke or hip fracture.

Depression is common in older adults and can lead to being disabled. Depression can be treated. People who get over depression are healthier. They have a better social life as well.

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