Older adult looking out of a window
Table of Contents

    Depression

    Older adults who report depression are almost twice as likely to also report a fall compared with those who don't report depression.

    Depression is a treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. Having depression can also make you more likely to fall.

    Depression and Falls

    • Depression can change attention, processing speed, and the way that you walk or move.
    • Older adults with multiple falls may develop depressive symptoms because they fear falling or experience a loss of independence.
    • Exercise can improve depressive symptoms, attention, processing speed, and mental well-being.
    • Staying socially connected with people can improve physical and emotional health as well.
    • Some anti-depressant medications are also associated with increased risk of falls and fractures. These medications can increase your fall and injury risk if you experience drowsiness, impaired balance/reaction time, heart disorders, changes in bone quality, and low blood pressure.
    Steps You Can Take
    • Be physically active to prevent or improve symptoms of depression and reduce fall risk.
    • Get outside for at least 15 minutes every day. Light exposure helps both seasonal and non-seasonal depression.
    • Schedule 1-2 activities that you enjoy each week. Activities that make you happy will help boost your mood.
    • Review CDC’s Still Going Strong resources to learn ways that you can maintain or increase your social connectedness.
    • Complete the Personal Medicines list and plan to discuss with your healthcare provider.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider to:
      • Determine how depression affects your risk of falling.
      • Understand if your depression medications—including over-the-counter drugs—might have side effects that increase fall risk.
      • Let him or her know about recent symptoms of depression such as feeling sad, anxious, worthless, disinterested, irritable, or restless.
    Resources
    Depression and Older Adults
    Depression and Older Adults

    Learn about common signs of depression.

    More