Too many older adults in the United States continue to struggle with mood-related challenges. Despite having greater access than ever before to a wide range of products, services, and experiences designed to support well-being, the prevalence of mood concerns among seniors remains alarmingly high. A mild state of depression experienced by people aged 65 years and older who have no previous history of mood disorders is known as late-life depression. Depression, in its clinical sense, is defined as perceived feelings of sadness, anxiety and apathy that persist for at least two weeks. It is not merely a situational response, although challenging life events can trigger its onset.
Studies report varying estimates of mood impairment among older adults. One study finds that mood impairment affects approximately 5.7% of adults aged 60 years and older, while a meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of depression among older adults to be 28.4%. In otherwise healthy seniors, mood impairment usually presents with somatic symptoms such as reduced energy, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, and other physical manifestations, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Growing older itself can bring anxiety, wistfulness, and fears surrounding mortality, all of which may contribute to a mild depressive state in some individuals. According to the CDC, depressive symptoms in adults transitioning through their 60s are rarely spontaneous and are typically associated with major lifestyle and biological changes. Retirement also influences mood health. Research suggests that voluntary retirement can significantly reduce work-related stress and improve depressive symptoms, whereas involuntary or forced retirement can significantly elevate depression risk.
While the above statistics primarily reflect more serious mood disorders such as depression, older adults can still take proactive steps to protect their active lifestyle by supporting healthy mood and outlook through microbiome health, effective stress management and quality sleep.
Mood-Support Supplements for Seniors
Along with healthy habits, Americans aged 60 and older can promote long-term well-being through proper supplementation.
A new study showed that seniors who took a daily probiotic alongside their regular antidepressant experienced slightly greater improvements in moderate depressive and anxiety symptoms than those who received a placebo. Exploring the relationship between the microbiota, the digestive system, and the brain, i.e., the gut-brain axis (GBA), has been the focus of numerous studies. The researchers wanted to determine whether supporting the GBA through probiotic supplementation could help seniors experience improvements in mood and mental well-being. The study (called “PRODG”) examined 58 adults aged 60 and older with moderate depression who received either a daily probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants were then monitored for another 12 weeks to assess longer-term outcomes. Participants in the probiotic group showed improvements in both the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the General Anxiety Disorders 7-Item (GAD-7) scale compared with those in the placebo group. They also had a significantly higher level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increased fecal abundance of the supplemented strains, indicating beneficial alterations in the gut microbiota that may have contributed to the observed improvements.
Ashwagandha root (AR) is known to improve stress resilience, and thus, support mood and overall outlook over time. Ashwanova® (also known as Prolanza®) is a well-researched, sustained-release root-only ashwagandha extract distinguished by its once-daily low-dose clinical efficacy. The latest study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm clinical trial. It enrolled 135 healthy adults experiencing moderate stress as determined by their Perceived Stress Scale [PSS] scores. Participants received either 150 mg or 300 mg of Ashwanova® or a placebo once daily for 60 days. Primary outcomes included perceived stress (PSS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), happiness levels (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-8), eating behavior (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), and serum cortisol levels.
There were 4 standout findings:
1. Significant Stress Reduction: Both 150 mg and 300 mg doses of Ashwanova® resulted in a substantial decrease in PSS scores by 2.7 and 3.1-fold, respectively.
2. Improved Sleep Quality and Happiness: Participants reported marked improvements in sleep quality and happiness levels with Ashwanova® at both doses.
3. Healthier Eating Behavior: Positive changes in stress-related eating habits were observed in both Ashwanova® groups.
4. Lower Cortisol Levels: The 300 mg dose significantly reduced serum cortisol levels by day 60, indicating a biological effect on stress regulation.
A Word about Sleep
Healthy sleep is essential for resilience and overall well-being. However, for many seniors, physical discomfort and everyday worries can interfere with getting the recommended 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Melotime™ sustained-release melatonin features a unique release profile designed to support healthy sleep throughout the night. The latest human clinical study showed that Melotime™, at a dose of just 2 mg nightly for 28 consecutive nights, produced statistically significant improvements in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset, alongside meaningful improvements in subjective sleep quality and psychological wellbeing. Also new for consumers is Melotime™ N, melatonin ingredient naturally sourced from St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). It is delivered via the same dose-independent release profile and formulated using nature-derived excipients, providing a clean, plant-based alternative to conventional melatonin.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, but extended periods of mild low mood do not have to be. Maintaining or adopting healthy lifestyle habits including targeted supplementation, while staying mindful of emotional well-being and mental health, can help older adults maintain a positive outlook and continue enjoying an active, fulfilling life.
Reviewed by Sneha Sawant Desai, PhD
