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Women | Men | Teens | Children | Elderly
Depression in the Elderly.
As people age they encounter more stress factors with less ability to cope with them. Depression in the elderly has been termed staggering and rampant. A key statistic that testifies to this trend is that elderly people (over 65 years of age) are four times more likely to suffer depression than the rest of the population.
Several statistics highlight the importance of identifying and treating depression in the elderly. First, the highest suicide rates for age groups is the elderly. And within this group, older white males have the highest rate.
Risk Factors for the Elderly.
- co-occurring illnesses - the elderly have more health problems than the rest of the population and these health problems can work in tandem with other risk factors to produce depression. Some of the common health problems that the elderly face are: Alzheimer, Parkinson, thyroid conditions, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
- loss of spouse and / or loved one.
- loneliness - living alone.
- thyroid problems - common among the elderly, estimated to be as high as 20%.
- lack of exercise.
- nutritional deficiencies - many of the elderly fail to eat a balanced and healthy diet. In addition, aging increases the difficulty of absorbing some vitamins.
- medication - the use of medication is more common among the elderly and some medications can cause or trigger depression.
Social Attitudes about the Elderly and Depression.
Most elderly people are content with their lives. However, when an elderly person develops depression it is often considered part of the "aging process" by those who are closest. It is often overlooked, discounted, or undiagnosed by family and doctors. Unfortunately this leads to needless suffering for the individual.
The medical community has recognized that it must do a better job in recognizing depression in elderly individuals. New programs and information is available to health care professionals to help them diagnose and treat this condition. They are more aware of the specific risk factors that the elderly face and how these factors may work in combination. However, they also need the help and support of close family members.
Treatment.
Traditional treatment for the elderly is psychotherapy (talk therapies) and / or antidepressant medication. Since older people are generally more reluctant to talk about feelings of loneliness, sadness and hopelessness - even with their doctors - talk therapy is gaining more emphasis as a treatment method.
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