Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older

Depression is not just having "the blues" or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.

How Do I Know If It's Depression?

Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience:

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

• Irritability, restlessness

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable

• Fatigue and decreased energy

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

• Overeating, or appetite loss

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment

How is Depression Different For Older Adults?

• Older adults are at increased risk. We know that about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer) or whose function becomes limited.

• Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Healthcare providers may mistake an older adult's symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don't understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.

How Many Older Adults Are Depressed?

The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospital patients.

How Do I Find Help?

Most older adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated with antidepression drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If you are concerned about a loved one being depressed, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.

• Call 911

• Visit a nearby emergency department or your healthcare provider's office

• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor

Healthy Aging

CDC seeks to develop partnerships and create a research agenda that promotes healthy aging. The January 2008 issue of Preventing Chronic Disease Journal focuses on healthy aging. Articles in this issue include:

• Addressing the Caregiving Crisis

• Depression as a Major Component of Public Health for Older Adults

• Disaster Preparedness and the Chronic Disease Needs of Vulnerable Older Adults

• Factors Related to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Midlife and Older Women: A Qualitative Study

• Table of Contents

For More Information

• CDC's Mental Health Workgroup
• Geriatric Mental Health Foundation*
• Mental Health America
• National Institute of Mental Health