Depression in the Elderly: The Influence of the Aging Process in the Development of Depression

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy and the percentage of the elderly population have been related to a reduction in quality of life and social interaction due to the biopsychosocial transformations inherent to the aging process. Loneliness is a major risk factor for developing depression, just as depression is an aggravating factor for loneliness in the elderly. Diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are atypical and often include psychomotor agitation, somatic symptoms, and complaints of memory loss. The elderly may end up not reporting sadness and discouragement, however, they may have physical complaints, pessimism, lack of energy, changes in sleep, appetite, in addition to pain and intestinal discomfort. Diseases that affect the mobility and independence of the elderly can contribute to the onset of depression and in some cases can lead to suicide, treatment is essential to prevent the worsening of the disease and tragic outcomes.