Senior Mental Health Survey: Anxiety and Depression in Americans Over 65

For many older adults, dealing with anxiety and depression might feel like an expected part of growing older. But mental health concerns aren’t a normal part of aging. According to the University of Utah Health, one in five older adults has a mental health concern, and as many as 63% don’t receive appropriate care. 

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles can impact sleep, appetite, socialization, and relationships. We surveyed thousands of seniors to better understand their mental health challenges and how they’re managing symptoms and finding ways to cope.

In April 2025, Caring.com used Pollfish to survey 4,000 seniors aged 65 and older about their anxiety and depression. The goal of the survey was discovering how prevalent anxiety and depression were for adults in this age cohort, and what factors were affecting their mental health.

Caring.com created this data study to spotlight the state of senior mental health in 2025, and to provide resources and validation for seniors who see their experiences reflected in this survey.

Almost half (47%) of surveyed seniors say they have anxiety, while 17% note having depression only. The other 35% of respondents have both anxiety and depression. Almost one-third of polled seniors say they have a clinical diagnosis for their anxiety and/or depression. Women were more likely than men (34% compared to 30%) to have an official diagnosis.

Many respondents (34%) have experienced anxiety and/or depression for more than six years. For others, these feelings go back even further, with about 16% of respondents saying their symptoms have been present since adolescence. Others have only recently developed symptoms. About 21% have experienced depression and/or anxiety for less than one year, and nearly 19% have lived with their condition for one to three years. 

Many older adults manage their anxiety and depression with prescription medications. More than 42% currently have medication for both anxiety and depression, and 46% have a prescription for one of the two conditions. 

But therapy isn’t as widely used. Three out of four seniors with depression or anxiety say they don’t attend therapy. About 17% of respondents say they used to go to therapy but don't anymore. Some say they needed therapy for only a short time, for events like grief or a divorce (25%), while others didn't find therapy helpful (22%). 

Talk therapy, according to Dr. Ken Robbins, is actually the most effective way to treat mild to moderate anxiety. Dr. Robbins specializes in dementia and geriatric psychiatry. He said that  from a psychiatric standpoint, talk therapy is at least as useful as medication for treating mild to moderate depression. 

Mary Van Keuren, a Caring contributor in the same cohort as our respondents, agrees heartily. “[Therapists] can provide an objective, unbiased sounding board to help you negotiate old age more gracefully. I see my therapist every few months, and my charge to him has been to simply help me to live my life at its fullest and with grace as I age.”

While the positive effects of therapy are proven, respondents either could not or did not want to continue.

“There are multiple challenges of getting people to get talk therapy,” said Dr. Robbins. “People are often skeptical that talk therapy is going to be helpful to them when they can talk to friends or relatives, and they don’t feel the need to talk to a therapist. They don’t understand how different it is when you speak to a professional who can help change the way you think.” 

Dr. Robbins also noted that it can be very challenging to get to therapy, a fact proven by our respondents and the barriers to therapy they faced.

Many respondents had a therapist but then either they or their therapist moved away. Others lived too far from a covered therapist, or their insurance would cover only a set amount of sessions. Some respondents said that their local clinic closed down or their therapist left the practice. Still others had therapists who retired or passed away.

Around 19% of survey respondents are caregivers for someone else, such as a spouse (43%), parent (23%), or child (12%). And only a small sample of respondents say that caregiving affects their anxiety or depression. “Caregiver pressure” didn’t crack the top 10 causes of senior anxiety and depression.

Many people think caregiving is the main reason older adults have mental health struggles, but this isn’t what our poll showed. Most seniors say their anxiety and depression come from other things, like getting older and worrying about what’s happening in the world.

Van Keuren, a former caregiver, offered insight on how other worries outpaced the concern of losing her mom. “I was prepared for her to pass, but I worried even more about my own health and my ability to care for her as her health decreased. I was in my 60s and my health, while not terrible, wasn’t great.”

Van Keuren worried especially over the physical aspects of caretaking, adding that while she was concerned about having the strength, stamina, and compassion to do everything her mom needed, she also worried about her own health. “I needed to be strong for both of us,” said Van Keuren. “If I were to pass away or become incapacitated, both our lives would be profoundly impacted.”

Getting older can stir up emotional challenges tied to health, memory, and daily life. In our poll, seniors opened up about some of the greatest contributors to their anxiety and/or depression, many of which are aging-related.

Losing independence was the second most-mentioned concern in our poll. Many seniors worry about no longer being able to drive or take care of themselves. For many, the idea of depending on others for their everyday needs makes them feel like they're losing a part of themselves. 

According to one respondent, "I worry that I'm slowing down and can't do as much as I used to do. I will have to pay someone [to] do what I can no longer do, and will probably have to adjust my expectations."

Van Keuren expands on that sentiment. “My biggest fear of aging is not having the ability to maintain my own life in the manner to which I am accustomed. The thought of someone else making the decisions that impact my life scares me, and I can only hope it will be someone who loves me and wants to do right by me.”

“Where to live as aging continues” was the fifth most-popular cause of anxiety and depression in our respondents. Van Keuren, whose research for Caring.com has made her deeply familiar with the statistics of long-term care, is “terrified” by the near certainty that two-thirds of Americans 65 and older will need long-term care services. 

She knows she can’t afford nursing homes or assisted living, and Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care. The thought of divesting her assets to qualify for Medicaid (a process outlined in our elder law attorney guide) means leaving no legacy to her loved ones. 

“I have a close family, and I’m sure they would want to help me as much as they could. But asking them to help me if I am, say, in need of help with my ADLs, is asking a great deal. And what if I’m in a condition where I’m bed-bound, and can’t even do simple things like use the toilet? How humiliating will it be to have to have help with that? I honestly don’t think I will want to live if I am in that condition.”  

The quality of life Van Keuren mentions plays into fears over health. Facing new or worsening health problems is a common theme: Getting sick and not recovering ranks among the top three fears in the poll.

This fear isn't unfounded, as some illnesses can be debilitating in older adults. For example, pneumonia comes with an increased hospitalization risk. "Even healthy adults aged 65 and older are over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia than those aged 18-49," said Albert Rizzo, MD, the chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.

Respondents specifically mention issues they deal with almost every day, like acute pain and chronic migraines, affecting their anxiety and/or depression. Others describe concerns like recovering after surgeries and not receiving the proper support after a health diagnosis. One person responded, "I was diagnosed and cannot be medically helped. I was sent home to die."

In the poll, the fear of developing dementia came in as the sixth-highest contributor to senior anxiety and/or depression. Dementia doesn't only affect the aging population, but it's more common in those 65 or older. 

"I was diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and am concerned with it developing into dementia of some kind. I am alone and don’t have any family to help me — that causes great anxiety," said one senior. 

Here at Caring, we’ve seen an uptick in interest in drugs linked to dementia, which supports our data that developing dementia is one of the top ten anxieties for Americans over 65.

Dr. Robbins has good news about dementia: There are ways to modify your risk level. Whether you’ve been officially diagnosed, or just fear the eventual diagnosis, 50% of dementia risk factors are within your control. They’re the same risk factors you can control for cardiovascular disease: blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, drinking, obesity.

“Perhaps the most modifiable risk factor is exercise,” said Dr. Robbins. “Exercise has a profound impact on the risk of dementia. It will slow the course of dementia. [Exercise] doesn’t eliminate the risk, it doesn’t stop dementia from progressing, but it has a very significant impact in both preventing and in altering the course of dementia.”

Retirement can be exciting, but many seniors in our poll said it also makes them feel uneasy. Not only because modern retirement no longer matches the “golden years” illusion so many of us were trained to expect, but also because retirement is often the longest time in our lifespans without a set routine. 

“The future is a big fat unknown for all of us, of course,” said Van Keuren. “But when you’re in your 20s through 50s, you generally have an idea of the trajectory of your life: you will work, you may raise children, you’ll probably have a partner, maybe a house. It’s all pretty normal stuff that everyone expects they’ll deal with. But suddenly, when you’re older, everything is different.”

After years of work, school, or raising kids, having so much free time can feel overwhelming. In our 2024 Seniors in the Workforce poll, many retired seniors reported returning to the workforce to avoid boredom and to be more social.

Some seniors also worry about what might happen during retirement. Concerns include feeling unneeded, losing touch with loved ones, or having close friends or family die. 

When asked what affects their anxiety and/or depression the most, most seniors noted national or current global events. Several open-ended responses in our poll echoed this concern, highlighting politics, tariffs, and the fear of losing Social Security and Medicare benefits. 

About 82% of respondents are on Medicare, and close to 11% are on Medicaid and Medicare. So, it's understandable that threats to these programs spark fear among older adults.

These worries are likely driven by recent policy proposals and administrative changes that could affect seniors' financial and health care security. The current administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been cutting down Social Security staff and offices, according to Newsweek. DOGE has also fired about one-third of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office staff, per the Medicare Rights Center.

Tariffs also add to the unease. Despite a suspension on some import tariffs, many seniors worry about their long-term ripple effects, mentioning the tariffs by name in our free response section of the survey. As reported by NBC News, market dips tied to these policies have already led some retirees to lose thousands in retirement savings.

In the past three months, which included multiple tariff announcements, Van Keuren saw her pension lose $40k. “I’m one health scare or executive order away from becoming destitute when I am elderly. I don’t feel that I can retire, even though I turn 66 next month.”

According to our Seniors in the Workforce poll, nearly one in three seniors were working as of 2024. Many of them attribute their need to work to inflation. Some list other money-related reasons, like needing to pay medical bills or debt and not having enough money for retirement.

The latter, not having enough money for retirement, was also a top contributor to anxiety and/or depression in our Senior Mental Health poll. Some respondents say they don't have enough money saved to retire. Others are still working but barely make enough to cover basic expenses. For many, the idea of retirement feels out of reach. 

One senior shared that making their retirement money last is a top stressor. Some also worry about their family's financial situation or whether their health will allow them to keep working as they age.

While family can give support, it can also be a source of stress for many seniors. Around 34% of respondents pointed to strained relationships, family issues, and feeling isolated or disconnected from loved ones as major contributors to their anxiety and depression.

Some of the biggest takeaways:

• Child Estrangement: Several seniors say they have complicated relationships with their children.
• Death in the Family: Spousal death is a common cause of anxiety and depression for respondents. Others say they've lost children, parents, cousins, and other close family members.
• Family Health and Well-Being: Many respondents say a loved one's illness or health decline adds to their emotional burden. One answered, "My family, [who] are sick and not able to care for themselves," as a source of stress. 

We asked seniors to share how they cope with anxiety or depression besides using therapy or medication. Many said they pray, meditate, watch TV, spend time with a pet, or stay active to feel better.

Research shows that exercise and meditation can benefit seniors' mental health. Meditation can organize thoughts, lessen panic attacks, and control anxiety in older adults. And exercise can lower blood pressure and anxiety in seniors.

About 21% of senior respondents recognize these benefits, based on their open-ended responses mentioning meditation and exercise as key ways they support their well-being. One senior said, "I meditate and perform yoga daily." Others mention walking, hiking, and playing sports, like tennis, to stay active.

Many seniors use their religious or spiritual beliefs to give them strength when answers feel out of reach. Around 16% of surveyed seniors say they pray, read the Bible, talk to God or a higher power, or rely on spiritual guidance. Some respondents follow a routine combining these habits, especially praying and reading the Bible.

About one-quarter of seniors say they use entertainment and hobbies to take their mind off stress and lift their mood. This is good news: According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who take part in activities they enjoy may live longer, feel happier, and decrease their likelihood of developing some diseases, like heart disease or dementia.

Several activities seniors in our poll enjoy doing include:

 

• Watching TV shows and movies
• Doing puzzles and brain games
• Playing computer, mobile, or board games
• Crafting
• Reading books or magazines
• Listening to music
• Spending time outdoors
• Cooking
• Bowling
• Gardening
• Bird watching

 

“There’s something about getting dirt under your fingernails that is very satisfying,” said Van Keuren. “Some gardening tasks are getting harder as I get older, but I will continue to do what I can for as long as I can. It’s like a miracle, and this alchemy is available to anyone who has a windowsill or a tiny backyard. It doesn’t take much money, either, and gives back so much more than it takes in your time and energy.”

There are many benefits of pets for seniors, including increased connection and a sense of purpose. According to the American Heart Association, pets also reduce stress for 95% of pet parents. 

Van Keuren relies on her pets for company and stability. “Petting them is comforting and meditative,” she said. “My cats make me happy, and calm me down when anxiety hits. I like to hope I’ll be able to have animals for the rest of my life.”

Several seniors in our poll echoed her sentiments, saying their cat, dog, or other pet helps them cope with anxiety or depression. Some also include their loved ones' pets and animals in general as sources of comfort. 

And, when it comes to extra support for anxiety and depression, some seniors say a pet would help. One respondent admits, "Having a dog would provide good companionship." Unfortunately, pets aren't allowed where they live, but robot pets could be a solution.

For those considering a companion animal, researching the best dogs for seniors and other low-maintenance pets can be a good first step. The right match can bring companionship without adding stress to daily routines.

 

Interviews conducted by Victoria Lurie

• Dementia. (2025). World Health Organization.
• How much care will you need? (2020). Longtermcare.gov. 
• Mental health and aging facts. (n.d.). University of Utah Health.
• Physical activity benefits for adults 65 or older. (2024). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Robbins, Kenneth (2025). Personal interview
• Silva, Daniella. (2025). Retirees 'stunned' as market turmoil over tariffs shrinks their 401(k)s. NBC News
• Van Keuren, Mary (2025). Personal interview
• Varghese, Jayisamma, et al. (2023). Effect of meditation on elderly. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research
• Wiseman, Paul, et al. (2025). Another U-turn: Trump reverses tariffs that caused market meltdown, but companies remain bewildered. Associated Press
• 65 or older? It's time to assess the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia. (2024). American Lung Association.