Is It Normal to Get Depressed or Anxious as You Age?

Despite what people may believe, anxiety and depression aren’t a natural part of aging and no one has to accept them.

In fact, mood and anxiety disorders become less common as people age. But detection rates are also lower among older adults. They’re less likely to seek assistance for mental health issues.

So it’s important for those around them to pay attention and offer help if they see a problem.

“Thinking mental health changes are part of the normal aging process puts the physical health of millions of people at risk,” says behavioral health expert Justin Havemann, MD.

The truth is, medical illness is closely tied to mental health problems in older adults, Dr. Havemann says.

“Patients who suffer from psychiatric illness — particularly undiagnosed and untreated dementia, depression, and anxiety — experience worse medical outcomes and lower quality of life than those who don’t,” he says.

Who struggles with major depression?

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that only between 1 and 5% of older adults living in the community struggle with major depression. Those estimates rise to 13.5% for people who require more constant care and 11.5% for older hospital patients.

Older women are more likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders. Older men tend to develop more substance abuse problems, Dr. Havemann says.

However, the CDC reports that less than 30% of older adults who need treatment actually receive it.

What puts people at risk?

Most older adults are not depressed, Dr. Havemann says.

But those with a medical illness that impacts mobility and quality of life are most at risk. The following conditions, in particular, are associated with an increased risk of a mood disorder:

• Heart disease.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• High blood pressure.
• A disability.
• A new medical illness.
• Poor self-perceived health.

Dr. Havemann says pre-existing depression and anxiety, as well as bereavement – which naturally occurs more often with advancing age – also contribute. Increasing insomnia is also a factor.

Brain-body changes can cause depression that occurs for the first time later in life.

If blood flow is restricted, blood vessels may stiffen and reduce normal flow to the brain over time. The resulting vascular insufficiency is associated with increased risk of other vascular illnesses, including heart disease and stroke.

Depression can also appear alongside other ailments more prevalent later in life, including:

• Diabetes.
• Cancer.
• Heart disease.
• Parkinson’s disease.

Medications that treat chronic conditions may also cause depression.

Signs that point to mood disorders

In most ways, signs of depression and anxiety are the same for older and younger adults, Dr. Havemann says. But older people are likely to report them differently.

Rather than feeling sad or overwhelmed, older adults may report or exhibit:

• Cognitive problems.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Loss of concentration.
• Nagging aches and pains.
• Digestive problems.

Like younger adults, older adults have suicidal thoughts. But, while younger people may focus on hurting themselves, older adults may wish they wouldn’t wake up in the morning — or become ambivalent about their life or survival.

Older men are more likely to commit suicide than older women. But periodic suicide screenings are a critical health assessment for everyone in this age group, Dr. Havemann says.

3 types of depression

Older adults can experience several types of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:

• Major depression: Symptoms are severe enough to interfere with work, sleep, study, appetite and enjoying life. Individuals can experience single or multiple episodes of major depression. This may even be associated with psychosis.
• Dysthymia: Persistent, mild depression that may last two years or longer.
• Seasonal affective disorder: Depressive symptoms that occur or are more prevalent during certain seasons (commonly, the autumn and winter months).

What to do about changing behavior, attitudes

Older adults – like those in any population – aren’t all the same, Dr. Havemann says.

So it isn’t possible to pinpoint normal mental health levels and behaviors that apply to all or even most people. Family members, friends and caregivers should take note when behaviors and attitudes change.

If you notice changes, there are several things you can do to help:

• Never ignore suicidal comments.
• Call 911 if you suspect someone is in crisis.
• Offer support and encouragement.
• Listen carefully.
• Invite someone who might be dealing with depression or anxiety out for walks.
• Involve them in other activities.
• Remind them that depression will lessen with time and treatment.
• Offer to visit their doctor with them.

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression or anxiety, don’t just accept it as inevitable. Working with a doctor can offer hope and improve quality of life.