Many of our parents and grandparents grew up in a time when talking about feelings or their struggles just wasn’t done. There was also a great deal of stigma surrounding mental illness. As a result, many older people can find it very difficult to open up about depression.
Statistics about older people and depression
According to Beyond Blue, between 10 and 15 per cent of older people experience depression and rates of depression among people living in residential aged care are believed to be even higher – sitting at around 35 per cent.
Anecdotal research suggests that people over 65 can often be more hesitant to seek help for anxiety and depression, meaning the real figures could be even higher.
Risk factors for depression in older people
Anxiety and depression in older people may occur for different reasons, but physical illness or personal loss can be common triggers.
The following factors can increase an older person’s risk of developing anxiety or depression:
- An increase in physical health problems and conditions, including cognitive impairment, heart disease and stroke
- Chronic pain
- Medication side-effects
- Losses that can come from increasing age, such as relationships, independence, work and income, self-worth, mobility and flexibility
- Social isolation
- Admission to hospital
- Particular anniversaries and the memories they evoke.
What are the signs of depression in older people?
The signs of depression in the elderly may differ from depression among the general public and at times true depression can be overlooked and put down to part of the ageing process.
Some symptoms of depression in a senior person may include:
- Restlessness or slowing down
- Behaving out of character
- Lack of motivation
- Negative thoughts
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Neglecting responsibilities and self-care.
Physical symptoms of depression and anxiety
According to Beyond Blue, older people can tend to present with more physical symptoms of depression or anxiety. An older person may complain of physical ailments and difficulty sleeping, rather than complaints of sadness. They may also use alternative language to refer to their feelings, such as referring to their nerves, rather than anxiety or sadness.
Physical symptoms can include:
- Digestive upsets, nausea, changes in bowel habits
- Feeling tired all the time
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Memory problems
- Unexplained pain
- Loss or change of appetite
How to have a conversation with an older person about depression
Acting as a family member or friend is the first step to helping an elderly loved one get the help they may need.
Often it can be difficult to broach the subject or start the conversation with your elderly loved one. You can start the conversation off by describing what you have noticed in a non-confrontational manner, out of love and concern.
