By the time each person gets to their 60s, 70s and above, they have a complex and unique health history. Depression symptoms such as low energy, aches and pains, changes in sleep or appetite and low mood can show up for several different reasons. Some people may have subclinical levels that can be improved with self-care. It’s also possible to develop major depressive disorder (MDD) as an older adult.

Depression in older individuals can be hard to spot because it looks a bit different from depression in younger people. Some older folks may not realize their symptoms for what they are because they’re not aware of what depression can look and feel like. Stigma around mental health conditions may also play a role. There are effective treatments available that can help people live life to the fullest in their sunset years. 

Are you or a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis? Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

In this article, we’ll share six signs and symptoms consistent with depression in older adults.

6 signs and symptoms consistent with depression in older adults 

Potential symptoms of depression in older people must be viewed in the context of natural aging processes. Depression may be exacerbated by medical conditions related to aging. 

It’s also a risk factor that can make chronic illnesses worse, like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and dementia. Pain, headache, fatigue, apathy, agitation, insomnia, weight loss, difficulty concentrating and other symptoms can overlap or be confused with other conditions. 

There’s also a social aspect to depression in older adults. Today’s generation of people over 65 may be less likely to report mental health symptoms. They may also have a hard time maintaining social connections, leading to isolation. 

The following are some signs and symptoms that may indicate depression in older adults:

• Dominance of somatic symptoms 

Some studies have found that older adults tend to have more body-based depression symptoms and fewer mood symptoms. These include appetite and sleep changes, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and slowed speech and movements. 

There are many potential explanations for this, and it’s a complex topic. Mood symptoms may be underreported. The biological causes of depression in older people may be different. Or chronic health conditions may be misdiagnosed as depression. 

However, one study found that older adults had more severe mood and motivational symptoms as well as more severe mood symptoms, which is why careful clinical evaluation is important. 

• Unique mood symptoms 

Instead of the sadness, tearfulness and guilt that are more common in younger people, mood symptoms may show up differently in older folks. They may be more likely to show hopelessness, apathy or loss of interest and thoughts of death.

• Cognitive-affective symptoms 

Like other medical symptoms, cognitive impairment, poor concentration and memory loss can have a bidirectional relationship with depression. Having these symptoms may increase a person’s chances of developing depression, or they may be depression-related symptoms that improve with treatment.

• Loneliness 

Feelings of isolation and social withdrawal are associated with depression in older adults. Some might experience this as feeling unwanted. 

A survey found that many older adults see loneliness as a precursor to depression and also a potential result of aging. At the same time, they expressed that it’s up to the individual to stay socially connected.

• Reduced sexual interest 

Because of biological changes such as lower hormone and energy levels, older adults may not be as interested in sexual activity as they once were. 

For some, the opposite is true — they may have fewer distractions, a lower risk of pregnancy or better communication skills that help with intimacy. While a reduced sex drive can be associated with depression, it’s not always a direct result.

• Severe profile 

Older people are especially likely to have treatment-resistant depression or let symptoms go untreated. Depression in this population can be particularly severe, with symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, agitation, suicidal ideation and depressed mood.

Get help for late-in-life depression at Lightfully

Depression in older adults often hides behind physical conditions and social withdrawal. This makes it crucial to recognize these subtle signs before they deepen into prolonged suffering. 

Loved ones and care providers can play important roles in recognizing the symptoms of depression, reducing stigma and helping people seek treatment. It begins with awareness of what depression can look like and how treatment can make a difference. 

At Lightfully, we take a person-first, proactive approach to mental health treatment. Our licensed clinicians get to know clients as individuals so they can provide treatment that makes sense for each individual’s personality and lifestyle. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each person receives treatment that’s tailored to their needs.

Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one who may have depression? Contact us with any questions. 

If you’re ready to take your next steps toward treatment, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule an assessment. Let’s talk about what your depression looks like and what we can do to make things better.