How to spot anxiety, depression in senior citizens

Although some seniors may assume that sadness or depression is just a part of growing older, feeling “the blues” consistently for several weeks, months, or longer not a normal part of aging — it’s a real, treatable medical condition.

According to America’s Health Rankings from the United Health Foundation, nearly 15 percent of people ages 65 and older have been diagnosed with depression by a health professional. And in August 2020, during the pandemic, 1 in 4 older adults reported having depression or anxiety — a marked increase from 1 in 10 adults with Medicare in 2018 — according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Unfortunately, many seniors aren’t getting help for their symptoms. One reason: Depression in older adults hasn’t received the attention it deserves. In fact, despite the high incidence and impact of depression among seniors, knowledge about how to address the problem is limited, according to an article published in the May 2020 issue of Psychiatry.

There are many other reasons why depression may go unnoticed both by seniors themselves and the people closest to them, says Jessica Bozek, a licensed professional counselor and director of older adult behavioral health services at Jewish Family and Children’s Service in Scottsdale, Arizona. Some examples:

• They may assume their feelings are normal or they have a good reason to feel down.
• They could be isolated, which, in itself, may lead to depression. And if a senior lives alone, there may be no one around to notice their distress.
• They may not realize that certain physical symptoms they’re experiencing could be signs of depression.
• They may be reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help.

Depression may show up physically, too, says Sheila Babendir, PhD, a licensed professional counselor and the director of counseling at the University of Phoenix in Arizona. “Appetite lessens, they may want to sleep more, and they don’t have motivation,” Dr. Babendir explains. “They may not feel as sad or blue, but it might manifest as feeling less energized.”

According to Mayo Clinic, in addition to other classic signs of depression — such as listlessness, difficulty sleeping, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide — older adults also may experience:

Depression may show up physically, too, says Sheila Babendir, PhD, a licensed professional counselor and the director of counseling at the University of Phoenix in Arizona. “Appetite lessens, they may want to sleep more, and they don’t have motivation,” Dr. Babendir explains. “They may not feel as sad or blue, but it might manifest as feeling less energized.”

According to Mayo Clinic, in addition to other classic signs of depression — such as listlessness, difficulty sleeping, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide — older adults also may experience:

• Personality changes
• Memory problems
• Physical aches or pain
• Often wanting to stay at home and avoid socializing

Research published in February 2017 in the journal International Psychogeriatrics also showed a relationship between depression and hoarding, characterized by difficulty discarding or parting with possessions regardless of their actual value, among older adults.