Overview of depression in older adults

Depression in older adults is a common mental disorder characterized by profound sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, persistent feelings of hopelessness, sleep and appetite disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and a significant decline in quality of life.

In older adults, depression often manifests differently than in younger people, frequently through physical symptoms such as chronic pain, digestive problems, and fatigue, which can hinder timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

This disorder has a high impact on daily functioning and can significantly increase the risk of mortality, as well as complicate the progression of other medical conditions common in old age.

Depression vs. sadness: differentiating between what is pathological and what is normal

It is essential to clearly distinguish between depression and sadness, especially in older adults, to ensure effective and timely treatment.

Sadness is a normal and adaptive emotion that arises in response to losses, grief, or significant changes associated with aging, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, or changes in health.

However, this emotion is usually temporary and gradually diminishes over time, allowing the person to maintain their functionality in daily life. In contrast, depression represents a pathological condition when sadness becomes intense, persistent, and negatively affects all areas of the older adult's life.

Unlike sadness, depression involves a marked impairment in the ability to carry out basic daily activities, causes social isolation, and leads to a significant decline in quality of life.

Depression is also often accompanied by other symptoms such as constant anxiety, irritability, deep feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and, in more severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide.

What age defines an older adult?

The concept of “older adult” generally refers to people who are 60 years of age or older. However, this definition may vary depending on the cultural, social, and political context of each country or region.

Internationally, the World Health Organization establishes the age of 60 as a reference for identifying the onset of old age, mainly due to the significant physical, social, and psychological changes that begin to manifest at this stage of the life cycle. In many other countries, the age of 60 is used to define public policies and specific programs aimed at this population.

This stage involves a series of challenges related to adapting to changes in family and social roles, as well as coping with medical and psychological conditions associated with aging, including depression.

A clear understanding of the older adult stage is crucial for developing effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive intervention, especially for disorders such as depression, which significantly affect the quality of life and emotional and physical well-being of this population.