Depression in the Elderly: It’s Not a Sign of Aging

Dear Difference Maker,

Did you know that ….

… Seven million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from depression. Unlike with many other groups, depression in the elderly often goes unrecognized or is mistaken for another condition.

… While the rates of depression are fairly low for the elderly living on their own—between one and five percent—they rise dramatically with the loss of independence. Twelve percent of hospitalized patients and 14 percent of those receiving home care have depression. Various studies have found that anywhere between 29 and 52 percent of elderly people living in nursing homes suffer from depression.

… Up to 90 percent of people who suffer from depression later in life don’t receive adequate care, with 78 percent receiving no treatment at all. Elderly patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) spend nearly twice as much on health care as those without the disease. In addition, the suicide rate among people over 75 is higher than that of any other group—more than one and a half times the average.

Click here to learn more about the alarming statistics and most importantly
a few very simple things we can all be doing for our loved ones and ourselves.

Reaching out …

Author & Founder of Heart Productions & Publishing
MakeADifference.com

Heart Productions & Publishing, Greater Boston Area