Elderly Anxiety And Depression: Signs & Treatment

There is an alarming acceptance of elderly anxiety and depression as “normal.” It is not. Even though seniors in the United States are at higher risk for anxiety and depression than other age groups, there is nothing normal about it. 

As the CDC points out, depression and anxiety are not the same as feeling sad about the loss of a spouse or loved one or the occasional worry about an existing health condition. They are true and treatable medical conditions, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could prevent them from occurring in the first place?

Preventing Anxiety & Depression In Senior Loved Ones

With the exception of seniors who have a lifetime history of anxiety or depression, seniors have every opportunity to age well without ever experiencing life-altering or diminishing anxiety and depression. And, adults with existing anxiety or depression can continue their treatment course and take advantage of strategies to manage it through their senior years.

Alzheimer’s And Dementia Play A Role

If your loved one has an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, anxiety and depression are not uncommon. They are one of the symptoms of the disease and are typically managed via medications. Therapy and a support group are also great tools for normalizing the experience of cognitive decline while also encouraging social engagement.

Symptoms Of Elderly Anxiety And Depression

Both states of mental and emotional health can creep up on a person before they or anyone else realizes there is a problem. Paying attention - or keeping a daily emotional log - is the best way to notice and address red flags before they take over.

Anxiety looks and feels like…

According to the AAGP, anxiety is a common illness among older adults, affecting as many as 10-20 percent of the older population. Symptoms of anxiety beyond the normal occasional worry or concern are extended experiences of:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing lack of appetite and/or gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety.

We all experience anxiety to a certain extent, depending on what’s going on in our lives. However, anxiety becomes a disorder when it keeps you from doing what you love, inhibits daily life, or diminishes your quality of life.

Depression is experienced as…

The older we get, the more things we have to feel sad about. Age-related changes in mobility or declining health take their toll, as do the deaths of a spouse, partner, or peers. Seniors also experience a loss of independence when it’s time to give up the keys. Feelings of loss, sadness, and anger are completely normal. Depression happens when there is no healthy outlet for those feelings or when seniors become isolated from the people, activities, and things they love.

Some of the signs of senior depression include:

• Persistent anxiety or diminished mood.
• Feeling hopeless or worthless.
• Atypical anger or irritability.
• Sleep disorders (sleeping too much or insomnia)
• Lack of interest in activities, hobbies, or social engagements that used to be pleasurable.
• Decreased energy or general fatigue. 
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
• Making comments about wanting to die, not wanting to live anymore, or hoping their death comes sooner rather than later.
• Eating less or more than normal.

These signs should be addressed immediately. Scheduling an appointment with their general physician is the first step in getting them the support they need to manage their depression. 

We also recommend checking in with the local senior center to learn more about their offerings, which often include various peer-facilitated support groups.

Steps To Combat Elderly Anxiety And Depression

You can do several things to prevent - and combat - anxiety and depression for aging family members, loved ones, or neighbors.

Keep in regular touch

Keeping in touch on a regular basis is a good first start. Whenever possible, schedule video dates so you can see the person - as well as hear them. Many people with anxiety and depression say, “I’m fine.” 

So, if you live far away or can’t visit in person that often, video chats can help you recognize warning signs you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Never ignore any red flags indicating a loved one needs support; always trust your gut instincts.

Put failsafe medication management in place

Feelings of anxiety, depression, or mental instability can also indicate that a loved one isn’t taking medications as prescribed OR that their medications interact negatively. Put fail-safe medication management protocols in place.

They should also schedule consultations with their pharmacist at least once per year to review all of their medications and see if contraindications (negative medication interactions) are part of the problem.

Support their daily lifestyle choices

Diet, exercise, and sleep are all essential to mental and emotional wellness. All of these can go right down the tubes when seniors opt to age-in-place but don’t have the energy or transportation required to make healthy meals, have access to healthy snacks, and move their bodies every day.

Keep them socially engaged

Social isolation plays a tremendous part in senior anxiety and depression, especially if they live alone. There is so much you can do to help seniors remain socially connected and to get them out and about in their communities. 

Examples include:

• Putting transportation services in place so they can get where they want to go.
• Helping them plan fun and interesting outings at least once a week.
• Plugging them into the local volunteer community.

In addition to preventing depression and anxiety, seniors with healthy and stimulating social lives have better physical health and slower progression of dementia than their isolated counterparts.

Work with a licensed caregiving agency for scaled support as needed

Finally, schedule a few free in-home assessments with local licensed caregiving agencies. From part-time services that start at just a few times a month to scaled support that grows with your loved one’s needs - in-home support is essential to age well in place.

Caregivers can start out with weekly wellness checks, light housekeeping, or errand running. As they bond and needs increase, your caregiving team is there to help with other important tasks such as:

• Transportation
• Meal planning and preparation
• Daily hygiene
• Medication management
• Keeping up with medical/dental/vision and other essential appointments.
• Overnight support or live-in care when the time is right.

Caregiving services go a long way towards treating and monitoring any signs of anxiety or depression before they become debilitating. 

Schedule An In-Home Assessment With HomeAide Home Care

Are you concerned that an elderly loved one’s anxiety or depression diminishes their quality of life? Let’s nip that in the bud. Schedule an in-home consultation with HomeAide Home Care. We’ve helped Bay Area seniors age in place with grace, joy, and quality of life for nearly 20 years.