INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Your Health
Strength is Not
Depression:
Only for Men a problem for many
by Lisa Troyer
older adults
D
o you have an elderly loved one who has lost interest in the
activities he/she used to enjoy? Does he/she struggle with
feelings of helplessness and hopelessness? Is your loved one
finding it harder and harder to get through the day? If so, he/she is not
alone. All of the changes that often come later in life—retirement, the
death of loved ones, increased isolation, medical problems—can lead
to depression.
Seniors may be reluctant to talk about their feelings, or ask for help.
That’s why it’s important for families to recognize the signs and
symptoms of depression and seek medical attention. Some common
depression red flags to watch for include:
Although depression can affect anyone at any age, depression is a
common problem for older adults. Depression in older adults is
often overlooked because seniors assume that they have good reason
to be down and think that depression is just a part of aging. Because
of health conditions or limited driving abilities, they may also be
isolated—which in itself can lead to depression.
I Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends,
I Sadness and fatigue
I Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable
pastimes
engage in activities, or leave home)
I Weight loss or loss of appetite
I Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep,
oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
I Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of
worthlessness, self-loathing)
I Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
I Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
While depression and sadness might seem to go hand in hand, many
depressed seniors claim not to feel sad at all. They may complain,
instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems.
In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening
headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in
the elderly. Older adults who deny feeling sad