We all want to age gracefully – to move into our later years without illness, injury or mental defect. We hope that the only change we experience will be in years and not any kind of debilitation.

But the fact is that as adults advance in years, most suffer from a feeling of some kind of loss – loss of independence, loss of mobility, loss of family and friends, loss of sight, hearing or good health. I remember when my own father had to give up driving. The look on his face was heartbreaking. His sense of mobility and independence was gone.

But there is a difference between grieving for the life you once had and sinking into a constant state of depression.

More than 6.5 million older adults suffer from depression according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And the reasons can be as varied as the individual themselves.

For instance, many older adults are on a variety of medications. One of the side effects of some of the most commonly prescribed medications is depression.

Then consider many of the physical difficulties and illnesses that plague us as older adults. Things like heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, lupus and arthritis make us feel vulnerable and feeble, and highly dependent on others. When you add depression to this list of illnesses, it increases the chances of death, or at the very least, a prolonged rehabilitation. It also increases the possibility of suicide.

There are many signs to look for if you suspect someone you love is depressed. Do they display a feeling of hopelessness or despair? Have they had unexplained weight loss? Have you noticed an increase in the use of alcohol or other drugs? Perhaps they are neglecting personal care or experiencing a disturbance in sleep patterns. Do they lack the desire to interact with other people or even go outside?

According to NAMI, depression is not a normal part of aging.

In other words, most seniors should be able to live mentally healthy and productive lives, despite their change in physical abilities.

So, what can you do if you suspect an aging friend or loved one is suffering from depression?

Get them re-engaged with people and things they enjoy. Schedule regular social visits and take them outside to a park or the beach. Being outside and away from their isolation can be reinvigorating.

It’s also been proven that pets help people live longer. Perhaps a cat or small dog would be a welcomed addition to their household. There are thousands of shelter animals that would also benefit from the love and attention a senior adult could give them.

Encourage your loved ones to learn a new skill or even go back to school. There are a number of documented cases of people in their later years earning degrees. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Maybe they can just learn something that’s within their skill-range. It could be a hobby like quilting, drawing or painting, pottery or writing. The more social the skill they learn, the better. Contact your local senior center for a list of classes and outings.

And don’t forget volunteering.

There are hundreds of nonprofits in our area alone that need help. A retired CPA could offer bookkeeping skills. Someone who knows how to write could take over a newsletter. Struggling students need mentors and tutors. Museums need docents. And all of them need board members and help with fundraising.

And lastly, make sure your loved one is eating properly. Contact your local senior services or “Meals on Wheels” to see if they can help.

If the feelings of depression and isolation continue, be sure to get them formally evaluated by a mental health professional. Perhaps help will come in the form of medication, therapy or both.

Lynn Bohart is Executive Director of the Renton Community Foundation, which manages a large group of charitable funds, including three funds that benefit seniors. For more information, contact her at 425-282-5199.