"The myth prevails that depression is expected in old age," states Susan Scanland, founder and president of GeriScan, a national geriatric consulting firm. "Clinical geriatric depression is an illness which may lead to fatal results."

According to Scanland, late-life depression can cause elders to lose their mobility and function, suffer a stroke, or develop heart disease or diabetes that didn't previously exist. Depression may also accelerate the progression of heart disease or diabetes and hasten death. Often, depression impacts an elder's independence to the point that it requires a move to an assisted living or long-term care facility.

Urging grown children to remain in frequent contact with their parents, Scanland suggests looking for the following warning signs:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• A lack of interest or enjoyment in former pleasurable activities
• Abandoning hobbies
• Avoiding social interaction
• Apathy; significantly reduced reactivity to a conversation or situation
• Appetite decreases, usually accompanied by weight loss
• Lack of energy or interest
• Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance
• Irritable, argumentative moods
• Anxiety or inability to relax

Many older men become clinically depressed after a heart attack, bypass surgery, stroke, hip fracture or other abrupt change in physical function. Older diabetics are particularly prone to depression. Chronic pain and depression often coexist.

Scanland pointed out that the highest demographic rate of suicide is among white males age 80 and older. "If your father is talking about hurting himself, wanting to be dead, or killing himself, you should consider this an emergency and immediately contact his physician or primary care provider," she advised.

Elders who are suddenly hallucinating (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) may be experiencing psychotic depression, which is also considered urgent and should be acted upon immediately.

"It doesn't take long for elders to functionally decline from depression," noted Scanland. "If you sense that your father is depressed but not suicidal, get an appointment with his primary care provider as soon as possible to voice your concerns and observations. If you can engage your father in a discussion about his depression, remind him how much you care and tell him that most people get better with treatment."

The conversations you have this Father's Day may ensure that your father will still be with you for the next one.

Susan Scanland has practiced as a board-certified gerontological nurse practitioner for 25 years in long-term care, home care and outpatient clinics.