Late Life Depression

This is the first post in a series on Aging and Depression.

Depression is a common problem in older adults. According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 6.5 million Americans 65 years or older are experiencing depression.

Depression is particularly common for those with chronic medical disorders and people who have experienced stressful life events, such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, loss of independence, or increased isolation.

Far too often, many depressed seniors, their family and caregivers fail to recognize the symptoms of depression. 

The most common symptoms of late life depression include:

• persistent sadness (lasting two weeks or more)
• feeling slowed down
• excessive worries about finances and health problems
• frequent tearfulness
• feeling worthless or helpless
• weight changes
• pacing and fidgeting
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty concentrating
• physical symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal problems

Late life depression that is untreated can last for years and is associated with a poor quality of life, difficulty with social and physical functioning, worsening of chronic medical problems and even premature death.

If you suspect depression in yourself or a loved one, seek medical attention immediately. Psychologists commonly evaluate seniors for depression by assessing symptoms and using screening scales, such as the Beck Depression Inventory and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Your primary care physician can determine if depressive symptoms are being caused by another medical illness.

Late-life depression is treatable and those who recover from depression have improved physical and social functioning.

You can grow older feeling happy and fulfilled.

The Michigan School of Professional Psychology will present, "Late Life Depression: How to Help the Ones You Love." This free event will be held on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm at the Farmington Community Library.