Feelings of sadness and discouragement can be normal emotional reactions to these difficult situations, but prolonged, intense sadness is not a normal part of growing older. When these feelings last more than a few weeks, it could be a sign of a major mood disorder called depression.
Depression is common among the elderly.
In fact, more than 20 percent of those over the age of 65 suffer from some degree of depression. An additional 10 percent of the elderly diagnosed with dementia may actually be suffering from depression. This misdiagnosis is common, particularly among those elderly who do not follow up with their doctors. The highest suicide rate in America is among those over 65. This is because the elderly are reluctant to seek psychiatric treatment which could help them return to their previous healthy mental health state.