A review from the National Council on Aging analyzed persistent intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness, especially in older adults, as a sign of clinical depression. Researchers noted that mood disorder is more prevalent in seniors due to factors like chronic health conditions, reduced mobility, financial stress, and bereavement. Symptoms in older adults can be more subtle, like persistent sadness, irritability, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and cognitive changes, often leading to misdiagnosis as symptoms can be mistaken for dementia or attributed to age.

The researchers highlighted that depression in older adults, while significantly impacting quality of life, is highly treatable. Treatment options vary and may include antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, counseling, or electroconvulsive therapy for severe cases. The researchers also emphasized that proactive steps like getting adequate sleep, staying physically and socially active, and maintaining a balanced diet can enhance mental well-being. The review concluded that addressing depression in older adults is crucial for improving quality of life and restoring cognitive abilities, reinforcing the need to treat depression as seriously as other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Reference: How Common is Depression in Older Adults? National Council on Aging. Published April 26, 2022. Accessed March 22, 2024. https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-common-is-depression-in-older-adults