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7 signs of depression in your elderly parents

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Jan 24, 2023, 15:00 IST

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Depression in elders

Depression, a common problem among older adults, but not clinical depression. Studies portray that most older adults feel satiated with their lives, despite having numerous medical ailments or physical problems.

Dr. Prateek Bhardwaj, COO, Vesta ElderCare says “Depression, like many other ailments, manifests differently in the elderly. For instance, an older person who is depressed may or may not feel sad but may complain of a lack of energy and attribute symptoms to age, making it trickier for the family, doctors, and even older people to spot depression.”

The following is a list of some key indicators that a senior is experiencing depression:

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Anxiety

Seniors who are depressed often feel abnormally anxious and never relatively calm themselves down. This anxiety blow can lead to other depression warning signs, including insomnia, fatigue, and social withdrawal.

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Insomnia

Seniors who aren't getting enough sleep, waking up too early, or both consistently may be dealing with depression. We all had experienced stressful nights when our worries kept us awake. When this is chronic, it's insomnia and, for elders, a sign of something more serious.

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Irritability

Aging parents are entitled to become grumpy, but if the senior's irritation persists and is out of character for them, it could be an indication of melancholy or depression. It's possible that your loved one's mood swings are the result of their responding in pain or annoyance to a physical issue that you might not even be able to perceive. Other times, seniors may experience major mood swings as a result of personal frustration with their evolving bodies and lifestyles.

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Social withdrawal

Seniors who are active and involved rarely isolate themselves from friends and family for a long time unless another factor, like depression, is at play. Since they are more prone to experience issues including living alone, losing friends or family, having a chronic condition, and hearing loss, older persons are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. No matter how much social contact there is, loneliness is the sensation of feeling alone despite company.

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Appetite changes

Losing one's appetite can indicate despair in older people. They refuse to eat or miss meals (perhaps because they have isolated themselves from their peers). Continuous overeating and weight increase may also be signs of depression.

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Worsened pain

“Seniors battling depression may experience a surge in pain with possibly heightened states of current conditions such as arthritis and perhaps new, unexplained pain caused by the depression,” says Dr. Bhardwaj.

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Preoccupation with death

An urgent psychiatric evaluation is required if a person repeatedly experiences suicidal thoughts or attempts to commit suicide. Thoughts of death are frequent among depressed people, but in seniors who may watch their health deteriorate due to the illness, they might become self-fulfilling.

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​7 signs of depression in your elderly parents

Depression in elders

​Anxiety​

​Insomnia​

​Irritability​

​Social withdrawal​

​Appetite changes​

​Worsened pain​

​Preoccupation with death​