Depression

  Growing old certainly involves a variety of life stressors that can lead to depression. Some people have trouble making the transition from full time productive careers to retirement. Others have been forced to retire because of chronic health problems or disability. For some, mounting medical bills threaten their future financial stability.  The loss of a loved one, or serious illness in a lifelong friend, or in your spouse, can add tremendous caretaking responsibilities, and also creates much sadness. Lack of mobility, either due to physical illness, or loss of driving privileges, can result in social isolation and loneliness.  All these factors can lead to depression.
 

However, despite these problems, most older people are satisfied with their lives. Depression is not normal, at any age. This page provides information about depression and older adults, and contains links to other pages with more general information about depression, treatment of depression, and descriptions and treatment of other psychological problems.