{"id":6017,"date":"2024-05-14T17:21:08","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T17:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/?p=6017"},"modified":"2025-08-15T17:50:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:50:10","slug":"depression-in-senior-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/blog\/depression-in-senior-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Health and Well-Being: The Truth About Depression in Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Senior<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Depression and Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression in Senior Citizens<\/strong> | Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT considered a normal part of aging. Studies show that most seniors feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In fact, 10 to 15% of seniors suffer from depression in Canada. The percentage of women suffering from depression is almost double that of men.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Above all, seniors with depression feel more than just sad or blue. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that requires real treatment. Seniors with depression should never be viewed as weak-minded or character flawed. Depression can not be turned off, it is an illness with serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Grief vs. Senior Depression <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Major life changes, that occur as we age, may cause unrest, uneasiness, stress, and sadness.  For example, grief after the loss of a loved one is an expected reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. After a period of adjustment, many seniors can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depression Impacts Seniors Differently Than Younger People<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While depression is more common in women, it more often increases the risk of suicide in older men. The suicide rate in people aged 80 to 84 is more than twice that of the general population. That\u2019s why the National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people aged 65 and older to be a major public health problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness. Depression also has been associated with an increased risk of death following a heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, depression can also reduce a senior\u2019s ability to rehabilitate. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, it is important to make sure that seniors are evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven Warning Signs of Depression in Senior Citizens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, if you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, pay attention to these health indicators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Irritability:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sudden mood changes can suggest depression. If a normally cheerful senior now gets easily irritated, take note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Loss of self-regard: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Experts say that one of the most obvious signs of depression in seniors is seen when they show a lack of pride in their appearance. Perhaps your mother has stopped wearing makeup, or your father has stopped bathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Social withdrawal: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depressed seniors tend to shut out others and avoid social situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Increased pain: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depression often amplifies physical pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. Recent illness or surgery: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Seniors recovering from major illness or surgery are much more likely to develop a depressive episode, and some go on to have a depression disorder. Research shows that 15 percent of people who are discharged from a hospital leave with depressive symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6. Recent loss: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Older persons have a much higher risk than younger people of falling into depression after the loss of a loved one. It\u2019s quite common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7. Insomnia:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies have linked depression with the inability to sleep, and insomnia is a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence \u2013 particularly in seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for Depression in Senior Citizens is Available<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doctors are encouraged to screen for depression with their senior patients routinely. In short, doctors use a series of standard questions, a primary care doctor can provide an effective screening for depression, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, a combination of the following treatments may be used. Ask your loved one\u2019s doctor more about these protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several treatment options available for seniors with depression:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n