Depression isn’t a normal part of aging, even though some older adults might sometimes feel isolated or alone. These feelings can spiral into depression, anxiety, and sadness—which are never any fun! Ongoing sadness and loneliness can even impact your health. Don’t ignore these feelings—they’re not just a part of getting older and deserve attention.

But aging brings plenty of cool perks, too! Think long-lasting friendships, close-knit family moments, and a lifetime of memories to share. Plus, some research shows older adults can be less likely to feel depressed than young folks. Still, if you’re feeling down, it can look different than it does for younger people and it might be harder to talk about—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Depression is common and treatable, so there’s always hope.

Learn more about depression and older adults and get tips for staying connected.