My 94-Year-Old Mom Is Depressed. Where Do We Go From Here?

Source: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Canva

I recently received a letter from a reader: "Dear Dr. Koepp, My mom has recently become depressed. She's 94 and lives alone. My family and I aren't sure what we should be doing (if anything). Where should we go from here?"

I have tremendous respect for this reader for reaching out to learn more about depression in older adulthood.

Let me start by saying that depression is not a normal part of aging, but depression is the most prevalent mental health condition among older adults. Unfortunately, depression in late life often goes undetected and untreated largely due to the false belief that with age comes depression.

This is why it is so important to learn about depression and have tools and resources to help older adults get treated for depression if and when they need it.

What are the rates of depression in older adults?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 1 to 5 percent of people 65 and older living in the community have depression. The rates increase a bit when older adults are in the hospital for a medical problem, but only to 11.5 percent, and still a little bit more to 13.5 percent when older adults require home health care assistance in their home.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, adults 50 years and older actually have the lowest rates of depression among all adults—less than 5 percent.

So you can see, the vast majority of older adults do not have depression. Even with this said, it’s important to point out that while most older adults will not develop depression, depression is actually the most prevalent mental health condition among older adults. So, if you’re an older adult, or caring for one (especially older adults who have medical problems and receive home health assistance for medical problems, or are in the hospital or have been in the hospital recently), it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you have the tools you need to get help when you need it.

What are the signs of depression in older adults?

• Persistent sadness or crying a lot
• Feeling worthless or helpless
• Feeling slowed down
• Excessive worries about finances and health problems
• Weight changes (often due to changes in appetite) like gaining weight or losing weight
• Restlessness (like pacing and fidgeting), or the opposite, being unusually still
• Changes in sleep, like sleeping too much or too little
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms such as pain or GI problems
• Withdrawal from regular social activities

In order to meet the criteria for a depressive disorder, the older adult only has to have five of those symptoms lasting for two or more weeks and these symptoms must affect how they are functioning. For example, affecting their relationships, how they’re taking care of themselves, or whether or not they’re engaging in activities.

Do older adults really benefit from treatment for depression?

Many people wrongly think that "the person is old (or ill) and so must be depressed." As a result of this false belief that with age comes depression, older adults are living with depressive disorders and suffering when they don’t have to. The CDC tells us that 80 percent of the cases of depression in older adults are treatable. But, here’s the thing—depression can’t get treated if it goes unrecognized.

What happens if depression goes untreated in older adults?

Not only does treating depression in older adults alleviate suffering, we know that when depression goes untreated in older adults they:

• Have more medical problems
• Stay longer in the hospital
• Use more medication for their medical problems
• Have more visits to the ER
• Experience more loneliness and isolation

What should I do if I'm concerned that my older loved one has depression?

• Talk with your older loved about what you’ve been noticing in a compassionate and concerned way.
• Encourage your older loved one to see their primary care provider to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing these symptoms. If medical concerns are ruled out, or properly treated, and your loved one is still experiencing depression symptoms, then…
• Help your older adult get connected with a mental health provider who specializes in older adults.

Depression Essential Reads

Healthy Aging: The Crucial Role of Mental Health

Skin of the Toad: The Next Treatment for Depression?

Where to find mental health professionals that specialize in older adults:

• Psychology Today—In this resource portal, you can search for psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in older adults, simply select your age category (Elders 65+)
• Geriatric Mental Health Foundation—The doctors listed on their website are members of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP).
• Major Medical Centers and Universities—If your older loved one lives near a major medical center or medical university, go online (or Google them) to see if they offer mental health care for older adults. Here are some common terms to help you in your search: geriatric mental health, behavioral health for older adults, geriatric psychiatry program, etc.

This is where you come in! First, you can begin to shift your view that with age comes depression (it does not!). Secondly, you can help your older loved one get connected to providers and resources that can help treat suffering and ease pain.

Please don’t ignore the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults. Instead lean in, share your concerns, and help your older loved one get connected to providers.