Understanding Depression in the Elderly

Understanding Depression in the Elderly

TribecaCare
6th Feb 2025

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can seriously and
negatively affect people of all ages. It is especially common in elderly
people who live alone, have lost a partner or a child, perhaps needed to
relocate from their familiar surroundings to a new home or even a
retirement facility. Any human being can be sad from time to time, this is a
natural part of dealing with life’s ups and downs. However, chronic clinical
depression is an illness and needs treatment.
Unfortunately, depression is often misdiagnosed. Family members may
think that being quiet or moody or withdrawn is a part of the normal ageing
process. Understanding depression in seniors is thus very important to
ensure that their quality of life does not deteriorate.

What is Depression in the Elderly?
Depression in the elderly, also known as geriatric depression, is a mood
disorder which shows up in sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and a loss
of interest in social interaction and activities.

What causes Depression in the Elderly?

Physical Health Problems: Chronic illnesses such as heart disease,
stroke, cancer, and arthritis can increase the risk of depression.
Dealing with constant pain and some form of incapacitation and
disability can be major contributors to sadness and a desire to “give
up”
Social Isolation and Loneliness: A senior person who lives alone
and lacks companionship or has no interactions with friends or
family can begin to get depressed. He or she may lose the will to
live, to eat and just stay active and engaged. Loneliness can
severely impact mental health and lead to depression
Loss and Grief: The loss of a spouse, friends, or other loved ones
can be a significant source of grief and sadness for older adults.
These losses can trigger feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and
despair, increasing the vulnerability to depression
Financial Insecurity: The changes in lifestyle caused by erosion in
retirement savings or bad investments, high medical expenses and
the inability to deal with the rising cost of living can lead to constant
anxiety. The stress caused by these factors is a known cause for
depression, especially if there are no children to help and reassure
parents
Medications with Side Effects: Some medications which are
prescribed to elders, especially those connected with management
of high blood pressure, sleep disorders and chronic pain can have
side effects that lead to depression. The side effects may not be
noticeable at first – as they are dismissed as lethargy, chronic
fatigue or apathy towards life in general. So, they need to be
monitored and medical advice is necessary