Health Tuber

Depression is a mental health disorder of serious concern in older adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated two million of the nearly 35 million Americans over the age of 65 years have some form of diagnosable depression. An additional five million of these individuals have significant symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for the disorder.

Feelings of sadness and depression are an integral part of grief, but grief itself is not considered a disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) considers the depression associated with bereavement a "normal" reaction to loss, provided it is does not linger too long.

Recognizing depression is complex, a matter usually left to professionals. However, there are key questions that can give clues that you, or someone you love, either needs professional help or is just going through a down period in life.

Part of Brain Fitness is being able to read the emotions of other people. The better you are at this, the better you will be at interacting with people, either socially or in business. Like any skill, you can improve this social aspect of your emotional intelligence.