• The good news is that the mental health of older adults is generally good and mental illness is less frequent in older adults than in younger persons. Several studies have found lower incidence of severe depression in older adults than in those who are younger. Generally, older adults have developed effective coping skills for life's difficulties and having close ties to family and friends provides support against disapointments and losses.

• Older adults with anxiety, depression or unremitting grief suffer physical and emotional distress caused by these condition, despite available effective treatments. Many older adults suffer from sleeping difficulties, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue or other uncomfortable physical complaints and don't recognize that anxiety or depression can be the underlying cause.

More good news:

• Anxiety and depression are treatable. There are many treatment options, from making some lifestyle changes to seeking professional help. Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to feelings of lethargy, mental decline and depression for older adults. For some older adults, walking regularly, such as with a walking group or at a school or mall, helps to boost them physically and emotionally.
• Older adults who want help should start by discussing their concerns with their physician and be willing to consider that the cause of the complaints is not physical. Loss, bereavement, isolation, health problems, worries about family, finances and the future are sufficiently serious situations to cause mayriad of physical complaints.

• If your doctor prescribed a pill for your heart condition, would you take it? If your doctor prescribed a pill for your heartache caused by a loss, would you take it? Some people said yest to the first question and no to the second. But are they really different? While medication is not the only answer for emotional pain causing physical pain, it can be an effective part of a treatment plan. Depression is real; anxiety is real. And proper medication, usually combined with a treatment plan, can reduce the pain.

• Depression is Not a normal part of aging.
• People need to stay active and connected. Whether doing some balance classes at the senior center, working out at the Y, or training for the next marathon. Remaining physically active is good for the mind and body.
• Stay in touch with friends and family members. Talk to a friend, a neighbor or a relative regularly.
• Drink more water.
• Eat a piece of fruit.
• Learn something new every day.
• If the signs of depression or anxiety occur, talk to your physician.

For more information on mental health and aging:

• The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
• "A Guide to Mental Wellness in Older Age: Recognizing and Overcoming Depression," The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation