When we have worked all our lives, the process of retirement often unexpectedly, brings difficulties. Feelings of boredom, inadequacy, perhaps a sense of not knowing who we are anymore can lead to anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. People describe excessive fatigue, anger, lack of motivation and sleep disturbances as some of the symptoms attributed to just getting older. However, they are the same symptoms seen in patients who are depressed or suffering from anxiety or stress.

Memory problems can also be related to stress and depression but may, of course, be symptoms of some form of dementia. dementia puts the patient and their families in very challenging and stressful situations, as they try to cope with an illness that is often progressive. Illnesses are often a challenge into old age.