Late Life Depression Getting older brings many advantages: wisdom, patience, contentment. But it also brings negatives, especially as our bodies become less able to do what they once did. It's no wonder depression is common among older people. Particular Patterns in Older Adults with symptoms of Depression Depression has particular causes and shows certain patterns in older people.   For example, it's much more common in the years after retirement, when people may struggle to adjust to a new role and routine in life.   It is not until people are in their mid-70s, when factors such as chronic illness, frequent loss of peers, friends, and increasing restrictions on mobility may be factors.  Depression also  has  a different  pattern of  symptoms  in  older  people compared with their younger counterparts.  Anxiety is particularly common, and the slowing of thought and activity.  Older people also tend to have more bodily symptoms, although it can be difficult to work out whether these are signs of depression or simply part of the increase in general illness seen with age. For example, they're more likely to battle with weakness,  as  well  as headaches, palpitations, loss of interest in sex, abdominal or back pain, shortness of breath and constipation.  Similarly, deterioration in mental  function  can  occur  with depression.  It's important to separate the effects of depression  from  those  of  other conditions, such  as  signs and symptoms of Dementia.  This is why it is so important to consult a geriatric psychotherapist; many symptoms can, at times, be completely (or at least partially) reversible!