Absence of the usual appearance of low mood should not preclude a diagnosis of depression. Whether because of a wish to avoid becoming a burden or because of the determination of the current cohort of the elderly to "put a brave face upon it", late life depression can be masked by a smiling visage. "Masked depression" is a rather old-fashioned term but does seem to apply to a particular group of older people with depression. This does not prevent the experienced from searching for other signs and symptoms of depression.