Senior Health and Well-Being: The Truth About Depression in Seniors 

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  May 14, 2024

What Every Senior in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Depression and Mental Health

Depression in Seniors | 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.

#DYK – 10 to 15% of seniors suffer from depression in Canada. The percentage of women suffering from depression is almost double that of men.

Depression in seniors is more than just feeling sad or blue. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs real treatment. Never view it as a sign of a person’s weakness or a character flaw – or think you can just “turn it off”. It is an illness with serious consequences.

Depression in Seniors and Senior Grief 

Grief after the loss of a loved one is a normal reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. Major life changes that occur as we get older may cause uneasiness, stress, and sadness. 

Moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. After a period of adjustment, seniors can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression.

Depression in Seniors Impacts Differently Than in Younger People

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

There is an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness and following a heart attack associated with depression.

Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses. This can significantly reduce a senior’s ability to rehabilitate.

For these reasons, it is important to make sure that seniors are evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild.

Seven Warning Signs of Depression in Seniors

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, pay attention to these health indicators:

#1. Irritability:

Sudden mood changes can suggest depression. If a normally cheerful senior now gets easily irritated, take note.

#2. Loss of self-regard:

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.

#3. Social withdrawal:

Depressed seniors tend to shut out others and avoid social situations.

#4. Increased pain:

Depression often amplifies physical pain.

#5. Recent illness or surgery:

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.

#6. Recent loss:

Older persons have a much higher risk than younger people of falling into depression after the loss of a loved one. It’s quite common.

#7. Insomnia:

Studies have linked depression with the inability to sleep, and insomnia is a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence – particularly in seniors.

Treatment for Depression in Seniors is Available

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. 

Sometimes, a combination of the following treatments may be used. Ask your loved one’s doctor more about these protocols.

There are several treatment options available for depression:

• Medicine
• Psychotherapy or counselling
• Electroconvulsive therapy or other newer forms of brain stimulation (such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS). 

Depression in Seniors: Don’t Let Your Senior Loved One Suffer

While it’s natural to experience some grief in the face of major life changes, clinical depression doesn’t go away by itself, can last for several months, and needs to be treated by a professional.  It’s best to be a part of the solution – and because of the social stigma attached to this disorder, you’ll be doing your loved one a favour.

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Do you need a home care solution for yourself or a loved one? Have you been thinking about retirement homes and their alternatives as a solution? Comfort Keepers® enables seniors to maintain happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes. In-home care services are available in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the surrounding areas.

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Our in-home caregivers ensure our senior clients have the best quality of life. The Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures that a senior’s safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday needs are met. This program brings joy and good health to each client’s home.

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If you are concerned about the health and well-being of a loved one we can help! Comfort Keepers offers 24-hour care and delivers top-quality and compassionate care for seniors.  We are dedicated to safety technology solutions that foster independence and enhance well-being.

Locally Owned and Operated Home Health Care Agency

Our care centers around companionship for seniors. Empathetic care originates from the soul and allows us to meet our client’s requirements. The seasoned in-home caregivers employed by Comfort Keepers are carefully chosen based on their empathetic qualities.  

Contact the Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver office at (604) 998-8806 to learn more about our unique in-home care solutions for seniors.

Comfort Keepers is an Accredited Senior Care Agency in North and West Vancouver, BC

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References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health. “Depression”. Web. 2016.
• American Psychological Association. “Aging and Depression”. Web. 2016.
• A Place for Mom. “Elderly Depression: Symptoms & Care”. Web. 2015.
• WebMD. “Depression in the Elderly”. Web. 2016.
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. “Frequently Asked Questions – Seniors and Depression”.  Web 2016.

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