{"id":5996,"date":"2024-05-14T17:16:55","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T17:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/victoria\/?p=5996"},"modified":"2026-02-23T19:58:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T19:58:27","slug":"depression-in-senior-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/victoria\/blog\/depression-in-senior-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Well-Being: The Truth About Depression in Canadian Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Depression and Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What do you need to know about Depression in Senior Citizens?<\/strong> Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT 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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#DYK – 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

Seniors with depression feel more than just sad or blue. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs real treatment. It is not a sign of a person\u2019s weakness or a character flaw. It\u2019s an illness with serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Grief after the loss of a loved one is a normal reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. Major life events and changes may cause uneasiness, stress, and sadness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, moving from work into retirement or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. As a result, after a period of adjustment, many older adults can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness. In addition, depression has also been associated with an increased risk of death following a heart attack and can also reduce a senior\u2019s ability to rehabilitate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparatively, 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

While depression is more common in women, it more often increases the risk of suicide in older men. Equally important, the suicide rate in people ages 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

Therefore, 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

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. Using 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 depression:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n