Who are the Elderly at Risk for Depression?

Just who are the individuals who are elderly and at the highest risk for depression? What can they do to overcome their risk factors for depression?

One category of individuals at risk for elderly depression is women over 65. There is not much they can do about being female or being over 65; so for them the risk cannot be minimized. They can however understand what other factors may put them at risk for depression and try to avoid or minimize those factors.

Other factors that may put the elderly at risk for depression are:

* Biological factors including hormonal changes as those that occur during menopause and genetic factors such as having a family member who has suffered from depression.

* Relationship stresses including maintaining a relationship that is strained or having recently gone through a divorce; having a close relation such as a son or daughter in harm's way such as serving in the military in a conflict zone.

Elderly at most risk for depression are those who live alone, or who spend most of their time alone. Also at risk are those who have experienced recent loss of a loved one, spouse, son or daughter, or even friend.

Individuals at risk for depression are:

* Those elderly persons who are on medications that may have a side effect of depression.

* Health problems especially those where there is a disfigurement such as a breast removal, or limb amputee are especially prone to depression.

* Certain medications can trigger bouts of depression or they may elevate the degree of depression felt by the individual.

* Elderly individuals, who eat alone, do not participate in-group functions, or who are not members of senior community centers are also at risk.

* Poor diet in the elderly can make depression worse.

* Those who have suffered losses and are now lacking in companionship and also suffer from physical ailments or long-term illnesses are at special risk for developing depression

Individuals at risk for depression often deny that they are sad, lonely or are grieving. Very few individuals are willing to admit when they are not in control of their life.

When determining who are the ones at risk for depression, it is important not to confuse grief with depression. Grief is a natural feeling following a major life change such as leaving a cherished home or when suffering the loss of a loved one through divorce, death, move or even an extended separation like when a son or daughter is called into military service. Grief is a reaction to normal losses or hardships that we all face in life. Elderly have lived longer than those who are younger and thus have experienced life changes and hardships more often. These normal periods of grief will lift as the individual adjusts and adapts to the situation or event by way of coping skills or a support system. When grief is extended past what is typically considered to be normal than it may be a sign that the individual is heading into what can then be termed as "clinical depression".

Power of Positive Thought in Seniors

Getting older and retiring is no reason to quit on life and curl up and die. Shake off that self-pity and "woe is me" mentality and find power in positive thinking. Positive thinking is a powerful thing and yes, mind over matter does sometimes work, especially if that "matter" is your body! Some people as they age are so full of life and grab life's experiences by the horns. These are the people who always seem so healthy and robust. Well, that is no coincidence. Older adults who get sick or prone to injury are often those who don't get out as much or socialize and meet new people or have new experiences.

There are been many research studies on the power of positive thinking and how it can make the difference between leading a more robust life or one where you are just existing between doctor appointments. Sure, your genetic history and previous lifestyle play a part in how your retiring years will play out. However, there is something to the power of positive thinking.

These research studies compared older adults with physical weaknesses like weight loss, fatigue and a slower gait against other older adults who seemed more robust. The more robust group was questioned in-depth on a variety of subjects, actions and emotions. The frailer group showed less positive thinking and optimism than the active, robust group who always seems to have positive views to share about their feelings and life in general.

The most popular guess as to why the heartier group is affected more positively than the other group is that positive thinking kick starts certain chemical processes in the brain which sparks those neural pathways into overdrive. In other words, the power of positive thinking could all boil down to a chemical reaction within the body. When you think about it, what happens when you are happy or excited? Your heart pumps a little faster and your body is flooded with extra oxygen which can give you a temporary high.

Positive thinking can definitely boost a person's overall health from brain functions to extra oxygen in the blood. Intellectually, physically, socially and psychologically ... these are all ways that positive thinking can trump anything else. Did you know that you do not expend any more energy on positive thoughts or even on negative ones? Therefore, why waste time being negative and seeing the darker side of things when you can be happy and enjoy the sunshine?

If positive thinking and anticipating the good in life does not come naturally to you, you will have to start small and work your way up to a better disposition. Learn to enjoy the little things in life like the sunrise or the giggle of a little baby. Consciously think happy thoughts and before you know it, you will be happier with those happy thoughts that come unbidden to you. Life, especially during retirement, is more enjoyable if you have a happy disposition about it. Life is one big comedy and it is up to you to see the humor in it all.