Depression — not a normal part of growing older

“Common, but not normal.” That’s how many mental health observers describe depression in older adults.

Let’s define the term first. Depression is more than just a case of “the blues” that anybody can experience, nor is it the normal grief that occurs after the loss of a loved one, although grief and depression share much in common. Depression is a mood disorder and chronic medical condition, characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety and/or apathy that last for at least two weeks. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that one-third of widows and widowers meet criteria for depression in the first month after the death of their spouse, with half of those individuals remaining clinically depressed after a year.

Depression itself isn’t a normal part of the aging process, but depression can occur when common aging-related health problems present themselves. NIMH notes, for example, that of the roughly 600,000 Americans who experience a stroke in any given year, nearly one-quarter of them will also experience signs of depression. Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and arthritis can all co-occur with depression. According to a Mental Health America survey on attitudes and beliefs about clinical depression, we’ve admittedly got a lot to learn. Over two-thirds of adults aged 65 and older know little or almost nothing about depression, and less than 40% recognize depression as a health issue. About 58% of people aged 65 and older believe that it is “normal” for people to get depressed as they grow older, even though it isn’t.

A person experiencing depression has feelings of sadness lasting for weeks at a time, including the following:

— Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism;

— Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness;

— Irritability, restlessness;

— Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyable;

— Fatigue and decreased energy;

— Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions;

— Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping;

— Overeating or appetite loss;

— Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts;

— Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment.

One item of good news: most older adults are not depressed. Far from it. Estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from 1-5% in the general older population, and 10-15% among those who are hospitalized or require home healthcare.

Depression is highly treatable, even if severe. That goes for old and young alike. In that way, it’s like countless other conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider, who can examine whether there are underlying conditions or medications causing you to have depression-like symptoms. If there’s no such condition, you may then be referred to a mental health provider. 

Addressing mental health issues makes it more likely that older adults can age successfully. If you’re an older adult who’s stumped on how to get started, that’s okay—contact the Office for the Aging.

 

Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, Todd N. Tancredi, director. Email him at                ofa@dutchessny.gov.

Latest News

Dine Out for History returns with most restaurants since the pandemic

The Millerton Inn on Main Street will host the first dinner in this year's Dine Out for History series on Sunday, Jan. 18. A local history quiz including a free glass of wine will precede dinner service at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON —Diners will once again have the opportunity to support the North East Historical Society this winter while enjoying meals at local restaurants with the return of “Dine Out for History.”

Seven restaurants across Millerton and the Town of North East will be participating in this year's event, marking the highest number since the COVID-19 Pandemic shuttered the event from 2020 to 2022.

Keep ReadingShow less
Box truck crash blocks traffic outside Millerton; no injuries reported

Millerton Fire Company crews directing traffic as they waited for a tow truck large enough to haul the wrecked box truck away from a crash site on Route 44 just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club on Friday, Jan. 9.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — A crash involving a box truck and a passenger vehicle blocked traffic just outside the Village of Millerton for much of the early afternoon Friday.

North East Fire Chief Keith Roger told The News on-scene that no one was injured in the crash that occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Route 44, just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village to hear update on wastewater project, discuss law to recognize tree committee
Village of Millerton offices on Route 22
John Coston

MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees will convene on Monday, Jan. 12, for its monthly workshop meeting, with updates expected on the village’s wastewater project, Veterans Park improvements and the formal recognition of a new tree committee.

The board is scheduled to receive an update from Erin Moore – an engineer at Tighe and Bond, an engineering and consulting firm – on the status of the village’s wastewater project. The presentation will focus on funding secured to date, as well as additional grant opportunities that may be pursued to support the long-term infrastructure effort.

Keep ReadingShow less
Local massage therapist suggests ditching resolutions, ‘slow it down’ in the new year

Aimée Davis in her Millerton massage studio at 65 Main St. Davis offers massage therapy, relationship coaching and reiki in her studio and through home visits.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — While many view the new year as a starting line for resolutions and new habits, Millerton-based massage therapist and relationship coach Aimée Davis suggests a different course — a marathon, not a sprint. She believes a slower, more embodied approach can lead to greater fulfillment than ticking boxes off a list.

“I’m more of a daily-moment person,” Davis said, explaining that she focuses on small, consistent practices rather than big, rushed goals. Practicing conscious living year-round allows her to forego new year’s resolutions. “I made one yesterday and I’ll make one tomorrow — I’m constantly tracking what’s coming up, what’s drifting and what I want to change.”

Keep ReadingShow less