Aging comes with changes—retirement, shifting social circles, and new health challenges. It’s normal to have ups and downs, but persistent sadness, withdrawal, or hopelessness aren’t just part of getting older. Depression is often overlooked in seniors because its symptoms can resemble aging-related changes or health conditions. But just like physical health, mental health needs attention and care at every age.
What’s Normal Aging vs. What’s Depression?
Some changes in mood and behavior happen naturally with aging. It’s common to experience occasional forgetfulness, moments of sadness, or a reduced interest in certain activities due to physical limitations. However, depression is different—it affects daily life and doesn’t go away on its own.
Signs of normal aging:
- Feeling sad occasionally but bouncing back
- Brief frustration over physical limitations
- Mild sleep disturbances that improve with good habits
Signs of depression:
- Feeling hopeless or empty for weeks
- Losing interest in socializing or hobbies
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Persistent fatigue or lack of motivation
- Increased irritability or withdrawal from loved ones
Depression is not a normal part of aging, and seniors shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
Why Depression in Seniors Often Goes Untreated
Many seniors don’t realize they’re experiencing depression or believe it’s just part of getting older. Some reasons it goes unnoticed include:
- Believing sadness is just “normal” aging
- Stigma around mental health treatment
- Symptoms mistaken for medical conditions like dementia or chronic illness
- Not wanting to burden family or friends
Ignoring depression can lead to worsening health, isolation, and a lower quality of life, but support is available.
How to Treat and Manage Depression in Seniors
Depression is highly treatable, and seniors deserve to feel joy and connection at any stage of life. Options for support include:
- Therapy – Talking to a licensed therapist can help shift negative thought patterns and build coping skills.
- Social connection – Regular interaction with family, friends, or community groups can help reduce isolation.
- Healthy habits – Exercise, a nutritious diet, and good sleep hygiene can support overall mental well-being.
- Mindfulness and relaxation – Meditation, breathing exercises, or light movement like yoga can ease stress.
How Sailor Health Can Help
At Sailor Health, we understand the unique mental health needs of seniors. Our licensed therapists offer compassionate, evidence-based care, including CBT and other supportive therapies, through virtual sessions. Medicare covers therapy, making treatment accessible from the comfort of home.
Depression isn’t a normal part of aging, and no one should have to navigate it alone. If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. Reach out to Sailor Health today to learn more about therapy options that can bring relief, connection, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sailor Health?
Sailor Health is a premium mental health service designed specifically for older adults. We connect seniors with licensed therapists who specialize in geriatric care, offering personalized therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, and the challenges of aging.
Our services are accessible through secure online or phone-based sessions, making it easy for you to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
Is Sailor Health covered by insurance?
Yes, Sailor Health is in-network with Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans, making our services accessible and affordable for our clients. We believe that mental health care should be within reach for everyone, so we work hard to ensure that our services are affordable but exceptional.
What if my loved one isn’t comfortable with technology?
We understand that technology can be intimidating for some older adults. Studies show that many older adults actually find online therapy more comfortable and convenient once they try it, with clinical outcomes comparable to in-person therapy.
Seniors can join therapy sessions with a simple video link or a phone call (no smart phone required). We offer step-by-step guidance and are available to help with any technical issues, ensuring that technology doesn’t stand in the way of receiving quality therapy.
How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?
We carefully match you with a therapist based on your preferences and needs. To help you feel confident in your choice, we offer a consultation to discuss your goals and preferences. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll work with you to find a therapist who is.
How do you ensure privacy and confidentiality?
Privacy and confidentiality are cornerstones of our service at Sailor Health. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for all telehealth sessions, ensuring that your personal information and the details of your therapy are kept strictly confidential. Our therapists adhere to professional ethical standards, and we have rigorous data protection measures in place to safeguard your privacy at all times.
About the author
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Dr. Daniel Burow
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