According to a study reported by the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, close to 15% of seniors suffer from some sort of mild depression. Depression is different from a normal, occasional feeling blue or down. Instead, depression tends to be chronic, and in seniors is likely to be either a repeat of earlier depression episodes or brought on by other illness.

Symptoms of depression include:

• persistent sadness (lasting two weeks or more)
• feeling slowed down
• excessive worries about finances and health problems
• frequent tearfulness
• feeling worthless or helpless
• weight changes
• pacing and fidgeting
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty concentrating
• physical symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal problems.

But the most obvious symptom is a withdrawing from friends, family and the usual social life.

Fortunately, depression can be treated. It’s often just a matter of discussion your symptoms with your doctor or other health care professional.