Elderly Californians are battling aliens and exploring foreign worlds to help researchers understand whether an iPad game could help combat depression in seniors.Depression in the elderly is a common occurrence. As they age, seniors become particularly vulnerable due to prolonged social isolation, the loss of a partner, or management of a chronic illness.Although common symptoms can include low mood, crying, and irritability, depression in seniors can manifest as exhaustion or trouble concentrating on tasks, which can make diagnosis more complex.It's also challenging to treat—research has shown that 40 percent of depressed older adults also struggle with cognitive disorders, which can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and some types of psychotherapy. Finding cheap and accessible ways to treat depression among the elderly is becoming increasingly important. By 2030, 21 percent of the population is projected to be over 65, according to a 2015 report by the US Census Bureau.Read the rest of this article on MOTHERBOARD.