Causes of depression in the elderly.

Depression in the elderly

Many people look forward to their golden years as a chance to retire and spend time with other pursuits like travel or hobbies. But when they enter this new phase of their lives, they can find life to actually be more challenging. The best laid plans can be disrupted by unplanned for events, bringing on sadness that with time can deepen into full blown depression.

What are some of the causes of depression in the elderly?

1. The loss of friends and loved ones – It can be very difficult for the elderly to lose loved ones. As friends their own age die, they not only feel the loss of the friend, they are also reminded of their own mortality. It’s a reminder of the possibly short time they have left of their own life. Additionally, losing a spouse of many years can leave an elder widow or widower feeling they have no reason to continue living themselves.

2. Losing their independence – Becoming dependent on other people is a big fear of many elderly. While family members are often able to step in and help, it can be difficult for the elderly to relinquish the control over their life that they’ve always held dear. They may need help with making decisions that before they handled on their own – or they may need help with day to day activities like dressing and eating. For a person who has successfully raised a family of their own, worked all their life, perhaps even run their own business, it can be very difficult to realize that they can no longer do everything. Depression in elderly people can begin as their independent lifestyle is lost.

3. Poor Health – For the elderly, simple illnesses like the common cold can quickly turn more serious and recovery can take longer. The same is true for accidents; brittle bones are more easily fractured in a fall, and broken bones take much longer to heal. A fractured hip can lead to a stay in the nursing home or a rehabilitation center. Pain and lost mobility plus the possibility of long-time health problems can easily turn into sadness that can worsen into depression in the elderly.

Despite having such clear causes for depression in the elderly, the diagnosis is often missed. Part of this is because the elderly are often loath to discuss their feelings with a doctor. They may feel the doctor doesn’t want to hear them complain about their feelings, and doctors are often more focused on physical issues, leading them to miss the signs of depression.

There are other reasons depression in the elderly often goes unspotted. Seniors may be hesitant to bring up any problems because they fear becoming a burden to their family. They may hide their feelings because they are afraid of losing more independence. Sometimes they don’t mention it because their fixed income doesn’t allow them the luxury of therapy. And many depressed elderly try to keep it hidden because they feel it is a weakness.

So how can we help elderly friends or family who might be suffering from

depression?

First of all, communicate frequently with your elderly loved ones. Frequent conversation will give you a better opportunity to notice any change in mood or behavior. If you have suspicions, ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask outright if they are feeling sad or depressed. You can make suggestions to help alleviate concerns they may have. Help them get involved in activities, either with you or at a local senior center. While they may fear losing independence, getting treatment for depression can actually help seniors maintain their independence longer.
It’s important that we understand that any of the events mentioned earlier can lead to depression in the elderly. Seniors are more hesitant to discuss their feelings or concerns with family or medical professionals.

As a friend or family member, you can help by being aware of the root causes and symptoms of depression in the elderly so that you can help loved ones who may be in need.