Seniors and Depression

Depression is among the most common illnesses seniors have to grapple with in old age. It is a long term health problem triggered by many reasons, many of which relate to issues and conditions normally faced when a person advances in age. It is a lonely condition where many seniors suffer quietly, unnoticed while their conditions may deteriorate day by day due to lack of treatment.

Depression is a long term health problem in which patients suffer prolonged periods of despair, sadness, hopelessness and pessimism. The condition can be triggered by certain life-changing situations that affect the patient, be it the death of a spouse, relocation to an unfamiliar environment, loss of contacts with friends and families or struggles with long term health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, chronic insomnia, cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, physical limitations or visual impairment.

Depression usually settles in when a patient fails to recover from a period of grieving or sadness but instead prolongs the mental despair to greater isolation from other people and indulges in thoughts of pessimism and suicide. Many cases of depression, if left undiagnosed or untreated can end traumatically in suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health records that the high number of elderly suicides in America is an issue of grave concern. For example in 2007, 14.3 out of every 100,000 people above the ages of 65 have committed suicide, a figure that is significantly higher than the national average of 11.3 suicide cases among all age groups.

Understanding Depression among Seniors
Depression is a reversible health condition; it can be treated with medication, therapy and counseling. Despite the fact that many seniors face depression, it should not be assumed that it is normal for the elderly to be depressed.

The problem with many cases of depression among seniors is that the illness is often not detected until it is too late. The following are possible reasons why depression among seniors is hard to diagnose.

• Seniors themselves hide their conditions because they do not want to expose what they perceived to be their weaknesses;
• Seniors are too embarrassed by their conditions and tend to shy away from others and shut themselves from family members and loved ones;
• Many seniors cannot afford the cost of long term treatment;
• Many seniors do not have anybody to turn to for help;
• Confusion and forgetfulness, which are common symptoms of depression, may be mistaken as signs of aging or dementia instead.

How to Fight Depression
Depression, if not treated can lead to other health conditions; it can have a toll on one’s body as it affects one’s sleep and appetite. Relationships also suffer because of depression. Many seniors shy away from families, friends and people in general, often isolating themselves from physical and social contacts. As such, social support for one’s loved one is the key to helping him or her fight depression.

• Seek treatment immediately - The first step to fighting depression is to seek medical treatment, in which patients are given mental and physical health assessments to gauge the seriousness of their conditions. Medical treatment for depression is long term and can involve a combination of medication prescriptions, counseling and therapy sessions.

• Special senior care – Seniors who suffer from depression require special care such reminders on their daily medication regiment, physical hygiene and well-being as well as caregivers who can monitor their conditions and provide companionship.

• Strong social support. It is not encouraged for seniors suffering from depression to live in isolation. Moving them to an assisted living environment or a nursing home that provides special therapy and counseling for seniors suffering from depression is highly recommended as they are provided with a strong support group. Ideally, the new home is located close to one’s family so that seniors can develop new friendships and yet stay in close contact with families and loved ones.

• Exercise and Recreation. One of the cures for depression is to partake in physical and mental activities on a daily basis such as walking, golf, arts and craft, card games, crossword puzzles and strategy games.

• Purpose and goal in life. Finally, seniors who enjoy their old age the most are those who have life purposes and goals, be it projects like contributing to a good cause or achievement goals such as completing a ten-mile walkathon or learning to play a musical instrument.