Senior Women

D epression
Anxiety
ADAA Resources
Other Resources

People who were born in 1946-1964 are called "baby boomers" and are the largest generation in U.S. history. The majority of baby boomers are currently over 55 years old. According to the CDC, it is estimated that 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern including anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring disorders³.

Depression

Older adults go through many life changes such as death of loved one, retirement and/or medical problems. Feeling sad, lonely, or stressed are normal reactions to these life events, however, for older adults who have depression may need to seek treatment. Depression in older adults may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they may not exhibit obvious symptoms or may not be willing to discuss their feelings with others.

If you are an older adult, you may be at a higher risk for depression if you are:²

a female
have a chronic illness
have a disability
are lonely or socially isolated

Learn more about women and depression here.

In women in particular, the time period leading up to menopause, also known as "perimenopause" can onset or worsen depression in women due to the changes in hormones.

Anxiety

Anxiety is as common among older adults as among the young. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults, though anxiety disorders in this population are frequently associated with traumatic events such as a fall or acute illness. Read the best way to treat anxiety disorders in older adults.

The following are signs that women over 55 should be mindful of as they can indicate the onset of anxiety and depression³

Behavioral

Avoiding objects or situations which cause anxiety
Urges to perform certain rituals in a bid to relieve anxiety
Not being assertive (i.e. avoiding eye contact)
Difficulty making decisions
Being startled easily

Feelings

Overwhelmed
Fear (particularly when facing certain objects, situations or events)
Worried about physical symptoms (such as fearing there is an undiagnosed medical
problem)
Dread (such as fearing that something bad is going to happen)
Constantly tense or nervous
Uncontrollable or overwhelming panic

Physical