Guest Post: Recognizing Depression in Older People [Infographic]

By Alice Lucey

Depression in teenagers and young adults has been a hot topic of discussion in the mainstream media over the last few years. It’s certainly an issue that impacts a large portion of America’s senior citizens. While young people with depression are becoming more outspoken in admitting to its presence, those of an older age tend to be far less expressive about living with this debilitating condition.

This infographic, provided by Be Independent Home Care, hopes to offer insight into recognizing warning signs of elderly depression. Many senior citizens do not have anyone in whom they can confide or tend to keep their feelings to themselves, unwilling to share their emotional burden with loved ones.

Sometimes, depression in older people is misinterpreted as dementia. The two conditions share many similarities, but there are several differences that are worth noting. A person with dementia experiences a gradual mental decline and often has no awareness of his or her environment. With depression, mental decline is quite rapid and the person is acutely aware of any such difficulties.

We should always be vigilant as to possible signs of depression in older people, especially if they seem reluctant to acknowledge it outwardly. It can be extremely challenging to have a heart-to-heart talk with them about depression, so you might find it more helpful to make yourself available for them as much as you can. Giving them your time and attention is so easy to do, and yet could make such a profound difference their lives.

Alice Lucey serves as Director of Care for Be Independent Home Care. The company, based in Ireland, specializes in one-to-one assistance and support to elderly clients in their own homes, allowing them to maintain their independence and individuality.