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Depression is not a natural part of growing old but rather a medical condition that should be treated aggressively.
Depression in the elderly, or in anyone, should not be thought of as normal. Some groups are at higher risk, but the average older person is not depressed any more than a young person.
In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 percent to 3o percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
Two personality types are also at high risk-obsessive/compulsive persons bothered by their lack of control over changes related to aging and dependent persons who lose the loved ones they rely on.
Depression is often not diagnosed because of stereotypes that family, caregivers or even physician have that elderly are depressed in general.
The elderly often mask their depression by packaging the problem in a physical complaint, so diagnosis can take longer.
Typical signs of depression include:
*  Sleep problems “too little, too much or early rising”.
* Decreased pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
*  Decreased energy or concentration
* Appetite increase or decrease
* Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
* Thoughts of death or suicide
If you notice signs of depression in yourself, a friend or a family member don’t wait until it becomes severe. Talk to the person with depression and their physician, and seek treatment from a mental health professional.