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Depression in the elderly may be hard to detect because of several factors. The reason for this is because many of the symptoms, i.e., fatigue, appetite loss, insomnia, can be a part of the aging process. Depression in the elderly can be caused by many factors, i.e., loss of their spouse, a child, illness and pain, having problems getting around, worrying about not being able to keep up with their daily chores, relying on others to take them to the grocery store and their doctors appointments, severe illness within their family, worrying about what is going to happen to them in the future, moving away from a familiar location, and the simple changes that are taking place in their lives. All of these factors can take a toll on an elderly person and cause them to become very depressed. When one sees themselves not doing as they once did, an automatic depression will usually set in. Depression in the elderly is often not diagnosed and untreated. It's a widespread problem amongst the elderly.

Listed below are a few of the signs to identify depression in the elderly:

1. Loss of interest in families or friends
2. Loss of interest in their normal activities
3. Feelings of worthlessness
4. A quick temper
5. Change in sleeping patterns - insomnia
6. Difficulty in concentrating
7. Memory lapses
8. Constant worry about death
9. Worry about getting Alzheimer's Disease
10. Irresponsible behavior
11. Talking about not wanting to live anymore
12. Lack of self-confidence and self-worth

If you notice any of these symptoms in an elderly person and it stays with them for more than two weeks they should be taken to seek medical help. Depression can also be the sign of a medical conditions. It may be complicated by brain disorders which occur with age also. There is hope for the depressed through the use of antidepressant drug therapy and also talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or even other therapist. For a depressed elderly person to talk with someone and vent about their feelings, it can help them tremendously. Talking out their problems with someone can sometimes help them to cope with aging by allowing someone to know their thoughts and their fears.

If depression is not detected, it can lead to complications in the elderly person. Any depressed person can respond to antidepressant drug therapy and/or psychological therapy. Nursing homes and other assisted living homes need to get assistance for those elderly people who don't have any family and who is more or less a recluse. Families should pay close attention to their parents and seek medical attention for them if they see any of the above changes in their parents. A male elderly person is at a high risk for suicide and should be monitored closely.

Aging is not easy regardless of the circumstances and the best way to avoid losing out on our golden years is to stay interested in activities, have an interpersonal relationship with friends, go on trips, take up something we've never tried to do before, keep the mind as active as we can, exercise, and enjoy life as best as we can as we age gracefully. It doesn't mean we cannot accomplish much in our aging years, we must keep our minds in tune with our age and enjoy life to the fullest. Yes, we'll have aches and pains, but we cannot allow them to sit us down in a chair without the will to get up and to get active.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Kasey Smith.
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