How to Help an Elderly Person with Depression

Older adults are typically portrayed as living their golden years, filling their retirement with hobbies, travel, and time spent with grandchildren. But life can lose its luster if a senior adult struggles with depression.



Many contributing factors may trigger depression in older adults, ranging from illness to isolation. Whatever the cause, if you or someone you love is dealing with depression in the later years of life, it’s critical to get treatment to alleviate symptoms. Learn more about the common signs of depression in older adults and what can be done to help.

Depression and Older Adults

Aging and depression are heavily influenced by a senior adult’s overall health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the risk of depression is lower for seniors in relatively good health. However, health issues are common as we age, and they can increase the risk of major depressive disorder. The CDC estimates that 80% of older adults live with one health issue, making depression more likely. Also, depression rates are higher for people whose medical conditions require home health care or hospitalization. 

Chronic, debilitating health conditions that limit mobility or impair brain function can be a significant cause of old-age suffering that leads to depression. But there are other possible reasons for major depressive disorder that occurs during the senior years:

• A history of depression earlier in life
• Medication that affects mood
• Substance abuse
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs during winter months when sunlight is low
• Loneliness for older adults who live in isolation or who have lost many of their peers in their social network

Much like senior adults would seek treatment for a medical condition such as osteoporosis, heart disease, hearing loss, or arthritis, they should also seek out depression treatment. Major depressive disorder can be managed to avoid the consequences of depression in the elderly.

Signs of Depression to Watch For

Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your behavior or that of a loved one. Major depressive disorder may be responsible, especially if the symptoms have persisted almost every day for at least two weeks. Here are some of the main signs of depression in older adults:

• Empty or numb feelings
• Deep-seated sadness
• Irritability or mood swings
• An intense sense of guilt or worthlessness
• Low energy or lethargy not caused by a medical issue
• Trouble thinking that is not due to normal aging or a neurological condition 
• Insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Suicidal thoughts

The good news is that there are interventions for depression in older adults that may improve their outlook.

What to Do for Elderly Depression

Addressing depression directly can help relieve the suffering with aging that some people experience. It’s also important because the consequences of depression in the elderly can hasten physical and mental deterioration.

Here are some helpful strategies to use if you spot the common signs of depression in older adults:

• If the older adult in your life shows signs of depression, it’s crucial to see a doctor to rule out any potential medical causes.
• If there’s a depression diagnosis, you’ll want to get a treatment plan in place and make sure it’s being followed, whether the adult lives on their own or in a care facility. You may need to seek out extra care for your loved one if they are on their own without family nearby.
• Seek out support groups for older adults with depression. (You may find resources for yourself by joining support groups aimed at caregivers.)
• Ensure your loved one is eating a healthy diet and getting some sort of exercise if possible, such as walking, yoga, or swimming. 
• Find a therapist who specializes in depression in the senior community. This professional can address specific issues your loved one may be facing, such as grief over the deaths of friends or frustration over a medical condition that limits their activity.
• A psychiatrist should also be consulted about potential antidepressant medications, especially if your loved one is on medication for other health conditions.

Many older adults don't improve with first-line treatments such as antidepressants and sometimes they can’t tolerate medications. When that happens, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be a helpful treatment modality that can have a powerful effect. It’s non-invasive and non-sedative, so there’s less impact and risk for senior adults’ mental and physical health. 



TMS can be an effective, beneficial treatment for older adults with depression, as well as OCD or depression-related anxiety. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.