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Depression in the Elderly

Depression in the elderly is a common ailment. However, it is not 'normal'. Depression in older people is no more normal that it is in younger segments of the population.

Depression in seniors doesn't get much attention but this portion of the population suffers as much as any other portion of the population. 15% of all elderly people suffer depression and 25% of them will try suicide. Caucasian men over the age of 80 are six times more likely to attempt suicide than any other age group.

Depression in care homes is greater than among those who live in their own homes or with their own families. Of those who are depressed only 10% will get help. As in other age groups, women are more likely to get depressed than men.

The treatment of aging people in western / developed countries is lamentable. They can no longer produce and are generally seen as being a burden on society with nothing to offer.

Causes of Depression in the Elderly

Generally speaking the senior years are a time of loss. A loss of mobility, health, independence, dignity or a loved one can trigger a depressive episode. Grief over loss is normal. These normal grief feelings can last quite some time. However, losing hope is not. Most seniors face major life changes and stresses that open them to the possibility of a major depression.

The highest risk group are those who have a personal or family history of depression. Failing health, and inadequate social support exacerbates the likelihood of depression. Those who resort to self medication by abusing alcohol or drugs are at extreme risk of experiencing a depressive episode.

Almost all my middle-aged and elderly acquaintances, including me, feel about 25, unless we haven't had our coffee, in which case we feel 107.

- Martha Beck

The following are some common causes of depression in the elderly:

  • Loneliness
  • Isolation
  • Purposelessness
  • Ill health
  • Medication
  • Fear
  • Death
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    Symptoms of Depression in the Elderly

    Someone who has experienced a significant loss or bereavement will need to grieve appropriately. Some of the responses to loss, expressed as grief, look very similar to depression. However while grief is a normal and healthy response to loss depression isn't. The difference lies in the depth of feeling. A feeling that is persistent and becomes disabling is probably a depression. It takes time to grieve and we will all process grief at different speeds. A grief that doesn't let up over the course of time and obliterates all signs of happiness could be depression. Even in grief a person should be able to respond positively to a good joke or a hug.

    Common symptoms of depression are:

  • Sadness
  • Tiredness
  • Sleep disorders
  • Ahedonia (no interest in pleasurable activities)
  • Isolating behaviour
  • Feeling worthless
  • Thoughts of death
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Loss of focus & concentration
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    Common signs of depression to look for:

  • Inexplicable aches & pains
  • Hopeless demeanor
  • Anxiety
  • Memory loss
  • Grumpiness
  • Lack of personal care; grooming, meals, meds, hygiene
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    Self Help for Depression in the Elderly

    An elderly person who is depressed is unlikely to want to do anything or see anyone. However, this will only make depression worse. The more active the depressed individual is, the better they will feel.

    Some proactive things an elderly person can do to help deal with depression include:

  • Get out and about
  • Go to the park
  • Get a haircut
  • Do lunch with someone
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  • Socialize
  • If you can't get out, invite someone in.
  • Use the phone or learn to e-mail
  • Participate
  • Hobbies are a great way to spend time and feel good
  • Volunteer
  • Helping others is a perfect way to feel better about yourself
  • Pet care
  • A pet can keep you company and provide an outlet for caring for something else
  • Learn
  • Choose something you've always wanted to learn, and learn it
  • Laugh
  • Watch comedy, read a humorous book, tell your friends jokes - laughter is the best medicine
  • Diet
  • Maintain and take an interest in your diet. Limit junk food and sugar - you'll feel better
  • Exercise
  • Even the most frail and ill can find exercises that are safe - even from a chair or wheelchair

    • Affirmations and Brainwave Entrainment for Depression in the Elderly

    Brainwave entrainment is exercise for the brain. Those who suffer from depression in the elderly will benefit from this new technology. Not only can Brainwave entrainment help depression in the elderly but it has secondary benefits as well. Brainwave entrainment causes extra blood flow to the brain. This means the brain gets more oxygen which means that it will function more efficiently. All these things have a compounding effect that can make the golden years truly golden.

    If you or someone you know is dealing with depression in the elderly, you deserve to give this technology a try. Find out more about AFRS Depression Crushers here.

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