Why are older people more vulnerable to depression?

Everyone has periods of low mood, but if it becomes a regular issue you could have depression. Here the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) looks at the condition in older people

OLDER people are more vulnerable to mental health problems, even if you discount the risk of developing dementia.

Research suggests that around one in five people aged 65 years and over will experience depression, which compares to around one in 10 in the overall population.

“Depression, although common, can be one of the most serious illnesses a person can experience if it’s left untreated,” said Professor Ian Jones, Director at the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH).

“Experiencing sustained periods of low mood can have a very negative impact on your physical health, as well increase the likeliness of having suicidal thoughts.”

While it’s natural to feel down from time to time, if your mood stays low for weeks at a time, keeps returning, or interferes with your life, it could be a sign of depression.

Symptoms include feeling hopeless, having trouble sleeping (either too much or too little) and losing interest in things you normally enjoy.

Depression in older people can also cause problems with memory and concentration, which may be confused with early signs of dementia.

Research has found that changes in brain systems or the chemical balance of the brain may be at the root of depression.

These changes can be triggered by stressful life events, but for some people depression occurs for no apparent reason.

There is also evidence that depression can run in families, suggesting a possible genetic link, but this is only one piece of a very complex puzzle.

“While there is evidence that your genes could increase your risk of becoming depressed, it’s important to understand that this is not predetermined, there is no ‘depression gene’.

“Environmental factors and life events have a significant part to play,” said Professor Jones.

As we get older, we’re more likely to experience many of the life events that can trigger depressive episodes, like bereavement or deteriorating physical health.

Some people will also find it difficult to cope with retirement, perhaps because of the loss of structure, or maybe because of a lower income.

Loneliness is also thought to be a major contributing factor to depression.

Peter Owen, 72, experienced depression after retiring from a career in the manufacturing industry.

He said: “After I retired I just felt a little bit lost.

“I’d gone from working full-time and having a regular routine to no structure whatsoever. Losing the social aspect of working was also difficult.

“I think this played a big part in me getting depressed. I remember going off my food and staying in bed most of the day.

“This went on for about six months before my wife frog-marched me down to the GP to get some help.

“My doctor was very understanding and, after some counselling and making some changes to my lifestyle, I felt a lot better. I still feel down sometimes, but then who doesn’t?”

While many of these situations are unavoidable, depression is not inevitable, and certainly shouldn’t be thought of as a natural part of getting older.

Looking after yourself can make a big difference to how you feel, as well as help you become more resilient to depression.

Maintaining a balanced diet can help you stay well, mentally as well as physically.

If you lose your appetite, it’s easy to lose weight and run short of important vitamins and minerals.

Older bodies cannot adjust as well as younger ones, so this can really affect your health.

Staying active can also boost your mental wellbeing.

If physical problems make it difficult to do activities like swimming or jogging, it’s worth trying more relaxing activities like walking.

Gardening is also an excellent way of staying active, and if you are part of a community garden or have an allotment, the social element can also be helpful.

While these lifestyle changes can help stave off depression, it is important to remember that nobody is immune.

“Anybody can get depression, and sometimes for no apparent reason,” said Professor Jones.

“Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around the illness and that can prevent people from speaking out and seeking help.

“I’d urge anybody experiencing depressive symptoms to seek help – with the right treatment and support most people do get better.”

If you feel like you might be experiencing depression you should make an appointment to see your GP.

If you’re not able to get out, ask your GP to see you at home.

They will be experienced in helping people with depression and will be able to explain the treatment options available.

Changes to your lifestyle are usually the first method of treatment to try, and if that doesn’t help, the next step is to try talking therapies, medication, or a combination of both.

NCMH is working to learn more about why some people are less resilient to mental health problems, like depression, than others by asking people to take part in research.

“We need thousands of people, both with and without lived experience of mental illness to help us,” said Professor Jones.

“Taking part involves a short interview with one of our researchers, giving a blood or saliva sample and completing and returning some questionnaires. It usually takes less than an hour, and we can visit you at home.

“By using this combination of research techniques we’re able to explore the complex interplay of genetic, environmental and psychological risk factors that may contribute to causing mental illness. We hope that a better understanding can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for the future.”

If you are interested in helping with this research visit www.ncmh. info or call 029 2068 8401 for more information.