Senior Well-Being: The Truth About Depression in Canadian Seniors

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  May 14, 2024

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Depression and Mental Health

Depression in Senior Citizens | Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT a normal part of aging. Studies show that most seniors feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems.

#DYK – 10 to 15% of seniors suffer from depression in Canada. The percentage of women suffering from depression is almost double that of men.

Seniors with depression feel more than just sad or blue. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs real treatment. It is not a sign of a person’s weakness or a character flaw. It’s an illness with serious consequences.

Senior Grief vs. Senior Depression 

Grief after the loss of a loved one is a normal reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. Major life events and changes may cause uneasiness, stress, and sadness. 

For example; moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. As a result, after a period of adjustment, many older adults can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression.

Depression Impacts Seniors Differently Than Younger People

Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness. In addition, depression also has been associated with an increased risk of death following a heart attack and can also reduce a senior’s ability to rehabilitate.

Comparatively, studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses. 

While depression is more common in women, it more often increases the risk of suicide in older men. Equally important, the suicide rate in people ages 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.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that seniors are evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild.

Seven Warning Signs of Depression in Senior Citizens

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, pay attention to these health indicators:

#1. Irritability:

Sudden mood changes can suggest depression. If a normally cheerful senior now gets easily irritated, take note.

#2. Loss of self-regard:

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.

#3. Social withdrawal:

Depressed seniors tend to shut out others and avoid social situations.

#4. Increased pain:

Depression often amplifies physical pain.

#5. Recent illness or surgery:

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.

#6. Recent loss:

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.

#7. Insomnia:

Studies have linked depression with the inability to sleep, and insomnia is a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence – particularly in seniors.

Treatment for Depression in Senior Citizens is Available

Doctors are encouraged to screen for depression with their senior patients routinely. Using 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:

• Medicine
• Psychotherapy or counselling
• Electroconvulsive therapy or other newer forms of brain stimulation (such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)). 

Don’t Let Senior Citizens Suffer with Depression

While it’s natural to experience some grief in the face of major life changes, clinical depression doesn’t go away by itself. It can last for several months and needs to be treated by a professional.  It’s best to be a part of the solution especially due to the social stigma attached to this disorder.

Is your loved one suffering from minor or major depressive symptoms? Encourage him or her to seek help. Comfort Keepers® can help. Our Interactive Caregiving™ allows seniors to engage physically, mentally, and emotionally while living independently at home. 

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health. “Depression”. Web. 2016.
• American Psychological Association. “Aging and Depression”. Web. 2016.
• A Place for Mom. “Elderly Depression: Symptoms & Care”. Web. 2015.
• WebMD. “Depression in the Elderly”. Web. 2016.
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. “Frequently Asked Questions – Seniors and Depression”.  Web 2016.

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