Late life depression and its causes

Depression has often been portrayed as a condition that troubles the young and middle-aged, but it is increasingly clear that it casts a long shadow over the lives of many older adults as well.

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Late life depression is not simply a byproduct of ageing, nor is it an inevitable fate for those who live into their seventies, eighties, and beyond. Yet, it is a reality that affects millions of elderly men and women across the world, influencing their health, independence, and quality of life. In many societies where ageing populations are on the rise, the recognition of depression in the elderly has become a pressing concern.

The presentation of depression in late life is often subtle, and its consequences are profound. Unlike the youthful image of depression marked by visible sadness and despair, late life depression may appear in quieter forms. An older person may become withdrawn, uninterested in social activities, or unmotivated in their daily routines. Fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating may dominate their experience, leading family members to dismiss these changes as signs of ageing rather than of mental distress. Some older adults might complain more of physical symptoms than emotional ones, describing aches, sleep problems, or a general loss of energy, leaving the underlying depression unrecognised and untreated. This misinterpretation not only delays diagnosis but also worsens outcomes, as untreated depression in late life is linked with poorer health, diminished independence, and even increased mortality.