Senior Health and Wellbeing | May 14, 2024
Depression in Senior Citizens | Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT considered a normal part of aging. Studies show that most seniors feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems.
In fact, 10 to 15% of seniors suffer from depression in Canada. The percentage of women suffering from depression is almost double that of men.
Above all, seniors with depression feel more than just sad or blue. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that requires real treatment. Seniors with depression should never be viewed as weak minded or character flawed. Depression can not be turned off, it is an illness with serious consequences.
Major life changes, that occur as we age, may cause unrest, uneasiness, stress, and sadness. For example, grief after the loss of a loved one is an expected reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment.
However, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. After a period of adjustment, many seniors can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop symptoms of depression.
While depression is more common in women, it more often increases the risk of suicide in older men. The suicide rate in people aged 80 to 84 is more than twice that of the general population. That’s why the National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people aged 65 and older to be a major public health problem.
Likewise, depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness. Depression also has been associated with an increased risk of death following a heart attack.
Similarly, depression can also reduce a senior’s ability to rehabilitate. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses.
For this reason, it is important to make sure that seniors are evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild.
Most importantly, if you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, pay attention to these health indicators:
Sudden mood changes can suggest depression. If a normally cheerful senior now gets easily irritated, take note.
Experts say that one of the most obvious signs of depression in seniors is seen when they show a lack of pride in their appearance. Perhaps your mother has stopped wearing makeup, or your father has stopped bathing.
Depressed seniors tend to shut out others and avoid social situations.
Depression often amplifies physical pain.
Seniors recovering from major illness or surgery are much more likely to develop a depressive episode, and some go on to have a depression disorder. Research shows that 15 percent of people who are discharged from a hospital leave with depressive symptoms.
Older persons have a much higher risk than younger people of falling into depression after the loss of a loved one. It’s quite common.
Studies have linked depression with the inability to sleep, and insomnia is a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence – particularly in seniors.
Doctors are encouraged to screen for depression with their senior patients routinely. In short, doctors use a series of standard questions, a primary care doctor can provide an effective screening for depression, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment.
Sometimes, a combination of the following treatments may be used. Ask your loved one’s doctor more about these protocols.
There are several treatment options available for depression:
While it’s natural to experience some grief in the face of major life changes, clinical depression doesn’t go away by itself, can last for several months, and needs to be treated by a professional. It’s best to be a part of the solution – and because of the social stigma attached to this disorder, you’ll be doing your loved one a favour.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from minor or major depressive symptoms, encourage him or her to seek help. Comfort Keepers® can help.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. We offer retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, and companionship care. Our care services also provide end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and more!
Our trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ offers a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Empathetic caregiving starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs.
If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.
To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering.
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