Research shows that about 4% of adults older than age 70 live with depression. However, depression shouldn’t be viewed as a typical part of aging.
Brain changes, stress, grief, and other age-related challenges may lead to depression in older adults. But some underlying factors might make older adults more likely to develop depression.
Therapy, medication, and self-management strategies can effectively treat depression in older adults.
Entering a new life stage can bring unique challenges for our minds and bodies. For older adults, this transition may increase the risk of mood concerns like depression.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that depression affects about 4% of people older than age 70 [1]. However, depression isn’t just feeling sad or the occasional bad day. It’s a serious mental health condition rather than a normal part of aging, and it requires professional support to manage.
With the right support, seniors can balance their mood and maintain their physical and mental health as they age.
Signs of depression in older adults
To be diagnosed with clinical depression, adults must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [2] (DSM).
Watch out for these common signs of late-life depression:
Feeling sad almost all the time for at least two weeks
Moving and speaking slower than usual
Chronic worries, often about money or health problems
Feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless
Crying frequently
Unexpected weight loss or gain (may be due to cooking and eating less)
Sleep problems
Seeming agitated, often accompanied by pacing or fidgeting
Trouble with focus and concentration
Unexplained aches and pains or stomach issues
Social withdrawal and subsequent isolation (often explained by saying, “It’s too much trouble,” or, “I’m too tired”)
Neglecting hygiene or personal appearance
The care you need, when you need it
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What causes depression in older people?
An event like losing a loved one or experiencing a serious age-related illness may lead to depression in older people. However, aging itself doesn’t cause depression. Still, some risk factors may make some people more likely to develop depression.
For older adults, these risk factors include [3]:
Having a family history of depression or other mental health challenges
Increased stress — especially related to caregiving or fears of aging
Sleep disturbance
Feeling lonely or not having a purpose in life
Lack of physical exercise
Experiencing a decline in functioning and struggling with a loss of independence
Having a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD)
Taking a medication that can cause depression as a side effect [4]
Experiencing age-related brain atrophy [5] (a loss of brain volume that occurs naturally over time)
Why depression can go undetected as you age
Early detection and ongoing support can help improve outcomes for older adults with depression. But unfortunately, depression in seniors [1] can sometimes be overlooked.
Some reasons why depression in older adults might go unaddressed include:
Generational differences: Older adults may be more hesitant to access care due to the stigma around mental health. They may worry about being labeled or seen as “crazy.”
Lack of awareness: Some adults may think that depressive symptoms are just a part of getting older, and this can prevent them from asking for help. They may also be unaware that depression can be managed with the right support.
Misdiagnosis: Symptoms of grief, dementia, Alzheimer's, and other age-related cognitive challenges can mirror depression. That’s why it’s so important to get a formal evaluation from a medical and mental health professional.
Barriers to access: Depending on where they live, it may be hard for an older adult to find a therapist or psychiatrist who works with geriatric populations. If that’s the case, teletherapy may help expand their search.
Treating and managing depression in older age
The good news is that depression in older adults can be treated [6]. With the right support, seniors can learn to navigate depressive symptoms in healthy ways and get back to enjoying their life.
Treatment typically includes:
Therapy: Talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are examples of evidence-based treatments for older adults with depression. These are best suited for mild-to-moderate depression and can be adjusted to meet the needs of seniors. Therapy can help people develop coping skills for late-life challenges like grief, shifting identities, loss of independence, loneliness, and more.
Medication: Some medications are designed to help people with depression, and research shows they can be effective for older adults [6]. You can talk to your psychiatric care provider to determine if this is the right option for you.
Self-management: In addition to therapy and medication, some self-care strategies can help too. For example, getting regular exercise, making time for hobbies and socializing, and developing a mindfulness practice can help reduce depression in older adults.
If you notice that your mood, thoughts, or behaviors have shifted as you age, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. They can help guide you and provide the right support and direction based on your unique symptoms.
Just like people train their body to stay strong, therapy helps build tools for managing stress, regulating emotions, and handling challenges more effectively on your own. If stigma around mental health is a concern, therapy can be framed as learning practical mental skills that strengthen independence.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Clinical reviewer
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Depression can affect anyone, at any stage of life. But depression in older adults can go undiagnosed, as it can mirror other age-related concerns, like grief or dementia. Further, seniors might be hesitant to seek support because of stigma, a lack of awareness, or assume it’s just a normal part of aging. But depression is a serious mental health concern and requires professional support.
If you or an older adult you care about has depression, know that help is available. With therapy, medication, and self-care strategies, aging adults can balance their mood, improve their motivation, and strengthen their well-being during this important life stage.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Depression and Aging https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging/about/depression-aging.html
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
- Depression and Older Adults https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mental-and-emotional-health/depression-and-older-adults#what-are-risk-factors-for-depression
- Depression: Common medication side effect? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/depression-common-medication-side-effect-2018071614259#:~:text=Some%20medications%20with%20depression%20as%20a%20side,hormone%20therapy%2C%20which%20includes%20anything%20containing%20estrogen
- Brain Structures Associated with Depression in Older Adults in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12409790/
- Optimizing the Treatment of Late-Life Depression https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230919
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in generational healing and family dynamics. Ashley has worked in schools, clinics, and in private practice. She believes that people’s relationships, including our relationship with ourselves, greatly shape our experiences in life.
Ashley is committed to empowering others to show up authentically and deepen their self understanding. This passion stems from taking a critical lens on her own life story and doing inner healing. One of her favorite quotes is “Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
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