Treating Elderly Depression With Good Old Fashion LOVE

Depression in the elderly population is a fast growing concern. Those who are depressed and elderly are at an increased risk for death by suicide. The suicide rates for those who are elderly as opposed to the rest of the population are 80%; which is a rate that is more than double that of youth. The warning signs of depression are missed in most cases because of the ideal that the elderly have more to be depressed about which fosters the idea that it is normal for them to be depressed. Depression is an illness and not a normal state for anyone to be in no matter what the age. All of the factors of depression are linked in some way to lack of social support.

The elderly face many contributing factors that can lead to depression including: loss of a spouse through divorce or death, lifestyle changes in living arrangement or location, financial lifestyle changes brought on by job loss, retirement or loss of a spouse, and also physical or mental stresses that take a toll on the mind and body. They can also lose body limbs due to trauma or disease, which can lead to feelings of loss. All of these factors can be supported and the elderly uplifted and encouraged to cope with these factors when they are in an environment where love is shared, nurtured and encouraged.

Environments that foster love are usually found within the family unit (sons and daughters, siblings, and other family members). As we age these family members decrease as adult children move away, as members die, or simply neglect the elderly members of the family. Some family units are unfortunately anything but a loving environment as so many elderly individuals are physically, mentally or emotionally abused. Not being loved can strip any individual of the ability to cope with life stresses that are of a physical nature such as disease, pain, loss of limb etc. Not being loved can also cause an individual to shut down and become isolated from society. Isolation leads to a lack of support system that would otherwise encourage and help the individual to find resources that could help them to deal with life stresses.

Society has the responsibility to identify those elderly community members who may be at risk for depression due to isolation or lack of loving support systems. Once identified initiating a loving support system can help elderly individuals to start to cope with depression and other illnesses.

A study conducted by the researchers at the Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, at Weil Cornell Medical College tested the theory of the effect social service interventions and social support had on depressive symptoms with 56 homebound elderly whose age averaged at 82. The study showed a decrease in depressive symptoms of those participating after just 6 months of social intervention. 63% of the participants improved the quality of life as a result of the social contact. Those patients who had the most social support showed the most improvement in all areas tested.

Love and concern for those who are elderly and showing signs of depression can make a difference in their ability to function and to cope with life including illnesses such as depression.

Aging Health Problems - Signs to Watch For

As a senior or someone that knows a senior, you are probably aware that your health changes dramatically as you age. However, since changes occur slowly over time, many seniors may not be aware that they need help - or may not be willing to admit it. Recognizing the signs of problems can help you identify problems early and take steps to allow seniors to keep their independence.

First, watch out for weight loss. Losing weight unintentionally can be a sign of several health problems, including: cancer, dementia, depression, heart failure, and malnutrition. Have a doctor check for any disease related problems. Weight loss can also come as a side effect of other age related problems, like not being able to read cooking directions or having difficulty opening containers. Or food may simply not taste the same. Talk with the senior and find ways to make cooking easier and more appetizing.

Next, consider whether or not a senior is safe in their own home. Trouble maintaining the home can lead to injuries. Check the lights, the heat, the yard, and look for signs of excessive clutter or trash accumulating. The senior should be able to get around the house with risk of falling or injury. While everyone has different standards as to how their home should be kept, big changes in behavior could signal a problem. Discuss safety concerns with the senior, and look for solutions.

Third, look to see if the senior is taking care of himself or herself. Are they keeping up with the same personal hygiene routines? Failure to maintain basic good hygiene like bathing, brushing teeth, and washing hair can indicate health problems.

Note the senior's moods as well. Everyone has their ups and downs from day to day, but sudden mood swings and changes in behavior can be indicative of health problems. Watch that the senior is still involved with the same friends and activities that they have done before, and if not, determine a cause. Have them talk to a doctor about depression if they seem unusually down or blue.

Lastly, watch how the senior is getting around. Difficulty walking, joint pain, and muscle weakness can make it difficult for seniors to complete day to day activities. Unsteadiness when getting about can also make them more prone to falls. Discuss ways that will make it easier for them to get around.

If you are concerned about the health or safety of a senior, let them know. Sometimes just knowing someone else is concerned is enough to encourage them to speak to a doctor. Have other friends and family member voice their concerns as well.

You can work together to come up with solutions that allow the senior to maintain his or her independence. Sometime all it takes is a few assistance tools placed around the house or a simple reorganization of rooms to make things easier. In other cases, it might be time to enlist some help around the house. There are a variety of home care workers that can do everything from cleaning house to running errands. If necessary, talk with the senior's doctor or the local agency on aging for assistance.