It isn't normal to become depressed at any age. Many of the life stressors that can cause depression are present in a larger percentage of the elderly population, which has probably given rise to this myth. In fact, the vast majority of senior citizens are satisfied with their lives. But, loss of a loved one, financial problems, social isolation, poor health, physical disability, and lack of life goals all seem to increase the liklihood of developing depression. Since many senior citizens struggle with these problems, people often ignore depression in the elderly, thinking it is inevitable.
Depression affects our thinking, our emotions, our behavior and our physical health.
You might feel down, or empty. Some people have difficulty remembering, or can't make decisions like they once did. Many leisure activities just don't interest you any more. You have aches and pains that keep coming back, and your physician can't explain it. A depressed mood, with many of these symptoms, that goes on and on and on for weeks and months is called clinical depression.