Skip to main content

$1* Buys $100,000

Globe Life Insurance

Get My FREE Quote — Apply In Minutes
Get information on life insurance for Adults, Children, or both
Get FREE Life Insurance Information
Select Your Product:
Term Life For Adults
Whole Life For Children
Adults + Children
Check Adult
Age Group(s):
Or call: 1-800-742-6787
Choose Your Coverage:
  • $5,000
  • $10,000
  • $20,000
  • $30,000
  • $50,000
  • $100,000
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, $50,000, $100,000
No Medical Exam —
Simple Application
No Medical Exam—Simple Application
Free Quote—Apply Online
No Waiting Period Full Coverage The First Day
Fast Approval Process
Full Coverage The First Day—Fast Approval Process
Monthly Rates As Low As: $3.49 for Adults
$2.17 for Children or Grandchildren

How To Help Seniors Fight Depression

Globe Life family protected by umbrella
close

$1* Buys $100,000

Globe Life Insurance for Adults or Children

Get More Information
No Medical Exam
Simple Application
No Medical Exam—Simple Application
Free Quote—Apply in Minutes
No Waiting Period Full Coverage The First Day
Fast Approval Process
Full Coverage The First Day—Fast Approval Process
Monthly Rates As Low As: $3.49 for Adults
$2.17 for Children or Grandchildren

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans each year and affects people of all ages, race and gender. Although not everyone feels depressed as they age, more than half of doctor visits by seniors involve complaints of emotional distress. In addition, twenty percent of suicides in the U.S. are committed by seniors.

A recent report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society stated that depression plays a significant role in the declining health and quality of life for some senior citizens. Many seniors may develop depression as the result of a disability, deteriorating health, diminished quality of life and dementia. For this reason, it is important to help seniors break free from the feelings of depression and anxiety, so that their quality of life can become more enjoyable regardless of what stage of illness or aging they may be experiencing.

How To Help Seniors Fight Depression | Globe Life

Some strategies that may be helpful are as follows:

  1. Identify the symptoms. It may be difficult to recognize depression in seniors as they could be suffering from illnesses that exacerbate their symptoms. For example, Parkinson’s disease is known to directly affect the brain’s chemistry and increase symptoms of depression. In addition, studies reveal that 25 percent of patients with cancer have been known to show signs of depression, while 50 percent of patients suffering from stoke have experienced some type of depression or anxiety.

    Therefore, it may be important for seniors to be treated for the illness, as well as undergo treatment for depression. This is especially true if they are showing signs of not being able to cope or increased anxiety as the result of an illness. You should contact their physician to see how both conditions can be treated in order to provide a better quality of life.
  2. Watch for substance abuse. Substance abuse of both drugs and alcohol is very common among people over age 60. As people get older, they suffer more from loneliness, chronic aches and pains and tend to over medicate with pain medication as well as alcohol.

    Not only is taking sedatives with alcohol a lethal combination, it can also interfere with important medications that are commonly needed to help seniors with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Taking medication with alcohol can also increase depression and the likelihood for suicide among seniors. It’s important to pay attention to signs of substance abuse and offer solutions or talk to a physician about getting help.
  3. Recognize sleep issues. Research has shown that 80 percent of people who are depressed also experience problems with insomnia. Unfortunately, as people age they spend less time in stages of deep sleep and consequently suffer from periods of sleep deprivation, which can lead to bouts of depression.

    If you know someone who is suffering from lack of sleep, you may be able to help by making sure they are eliminating caffeinated drinks in the evening, getting plenty of exercise during the day and keeping a good sleep routine by going to bed at the same time each night.

Although depression is often overlooked in seniors, it can be treated at any age by seeking the advice of a medical professional who can deal effectively with symptoms of depression.

You might also be interested in...

Globe Life's values have remained the same since our roots began in 1900.

A rating
Globe Life is rated A (Excellent)** by A.M. Best Company based on their latest analysis of Globe Life's financial strength, management skills and integrity. (rating as of 8/23)