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Gladys Easley had always been an upbeat, energetic person. She was active in her church and did volunteer work at a local nursing home. She loved babysitting her four great-grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake. She cared for a large garden at her home in Montgomery, Ohio. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting.

Gladys was only 50 years old when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. The tumors were removed and she recovered well, except for some damage to her eyesight. She could no longer see well enough to sew. She continued with the rest of her favorite hobbies, however, and remained cheerful.

Ten years later, Gladys developed arthritis. She'd actually suffered some discomfort from arthritis for several years, but nothing too bad. At age 60, however, the arthritis became much more serious. Her hands ached constantly, and her stiff, swollen fingers could no longer manage to crochet.

Two years after than, Gladys fell in her garden and broke her hip. Her recovery was difficult. She was not able to walk unassisted after that, but had to use a walker. She could not work in her garden anymore. She had difficult standing long enough to cook. She could no longer keep up with her active great-grandchildren.

Gladys became depressed.

The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people 65 and older to be a serious problem. Depression affects as many as 25% of all Americans in this age group, and only about 10% of these receive treatment. Older people suffering from depression are more likely than their younger counterparts to commit suicide.

Why are so many elderly people depressed? There are many contributing factors. Concern about their health or chronic pain due to a health condition is one possibility. Loss of social support is another factor. Many older folks have lost a spouse and many good friends. Difficult getting around can further shrink their social circle. Arthritis, failing eyesight, and other conditions may force them to give up activities that they once enjoyed. Losing their independence often leads to depression. Financial worries might also be a contributing factor. Believe it or not, depression is also a side effect of many common medications.

There is also a biological component to depression. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression can be genetic, meaning it sometimes runs in families.

Diagnosing depression in the elderly can be difficult because many of the symptoms can be caused by things other than depression.

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