MODEL RELEASED. Geriatric check-up. General practice doctor in consultation with a depressed elderly man. Symptoms of depression such as sadness and despair are common in the elderly. They may be mourning the death of a spouse, may feel socially isolated or may be physically ill or in pain. In more serious depressive illness symptoms such as anxiety, variable mood, loss of appetite, tiredness and loss of concentration may occur. Prolonged depressive illness may be treated with psychotherapy or antidepressant drugs.