One of the hardest parts of getting older may be how physical health affects the mental state. Sometimes it can be difficult for seniors to admit they are feeling depressed due to aches and pains. Others admit their problem, but give up on a solution. This is where a senior caregiver or family member can help. Several signs can allude to depression in a senior, whether they are physical symptoms or a change in disposition. Identifying symptoms in your senior should not end there. Finding a geriatric assessment for your senior can be the first step in confronting the problem.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

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