Geriatric depression is the prolonged occurrence of depression in elderly-aged people. Difficult changes and loss that elders often face can lead to depression especially to those who do not have a strong support system. Depression to elder is not normal despite of some belief that it is a part of aging.

According to the study conducted by National Health Institute (NHI), approximately 35 millions of American age 65 or older suffers from mild depression and about 2 million suffer from advanced or full-blown depression. That is because most of elderly adults face significant life changes and stressors that put them at risk for depression. The most common causes of depression are the following:

• Loneliness and isolation – Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
• Reduced sense of purpose – Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
• Health problems – Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
• Medications – Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.
• Fears – Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
• Recent bereavement – The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.

Recognizing Depression

Depression is different from grieving, although the two might have same depressive symptoms such as frequent crying and profound sadness, grief is a natural and healthy response to bereavement and other major losses. However, the depression is more than just grieving. It is more than the sadness or and low mood, more than the “low feeling” we all experience now and then but goes away when we do our favorite hobby or have coffee with a friend.

Depression is a deep feeling of emptiness, it makes you feel that life or everything around you is no longer interesting. Depression is a whole body disorder that affects the way you think, the way you feel, both physically and emotionally. Depression is not normal and it is not a part of aging process.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression Elderly Persons

1. Behavioral Changes
   • No longer interested or withdrawal from previously enjoyable activities.
   • Shrinking out from relationships with others.
   • Experiencing a relationship that is not supportive.
   • Experienced a personal loss of more than six ago.
2. Cognitive Changes
   • Weakened concentration
   • Worries about memory
   • Having difficulty in making simple decisions
3. Mood Swings
   • Generalized dissatisfaction with life which constitute mainly with irritability
   • Lacks hope for his/her future
   • Having suicidal thoughts
4. Physical Changes
   • Weight changes unrelated to physical problems
   • Preoccupied with aches and pains unrelated to physical problems such as unexplainable headaches backaches, digestive upsets, stomach pains and constipation
   • Changes in sleep pattern.

– Professional Health Care Services, Inc. (PHCSI)