There seems to be a huge problem with depression in the elderly and it’s hard to believe that the National Institute of Health says that at least 35 million seniors in America over the age of 65 suffer from depression and at least 2 million from major depression. Many people believe that depression is a natural part of aging, but is that really true? As far as I can see there is nothing natural or normal about depression and no one should have to suffer.
It’s reported that more women at any age has more bouts with depression than men, but I think that’s because men simply haven’t been encouraged to show they have problems and it makes them appear weak if they do. Men have a harder time sharing than women do, but if you know the signs to look out for then you can easily tell when depression is present. I know when I was being treated for depression the women always out numbered the men. It seems depression for men is something to keep silent about.
As we get older it does seem that there are more unique circumstances to concern ourselves with because of numerous health issues that occur from aging, chronic pain and for many loss of independence. Our seniors from the generation they grew up in were taught to take it like a man and keep your personal issues to yourself and weren’t encouraged to talk about their feelings so as we all know many of the older seniors feel very uncomfortable doing so.
There is a wide assumption held that the aging process naturally causes a person to slow down, which in many cases it does, but just because your aging doesn’t mean you should lose interest in activities that once gave you joy. Many things can cause bouts of depression like prescription medications, declining financial situations, self-image issues brought on by surgery or disease. Feeling like you’ve lost your purpose in life because your children are grown.
Many feel because they no longer hold down a job that they have nothing left to contribute and these things can increase the risk of depression in seniors. Many doctors that treat the older seniors tend to concentrate on physical ailments and don’t always see the signs of depression that they might be suffering from like loneliness and feelings of hopelessness especially if they have lost their companion of decades.
Thank goodness the Baby Boomers are staying more active unlike our older seniors who were taught to keep it all inside, even despite the raging depression among the older seniors you will still see a majority that stay active and enjoy their lives up into their 70′s and 80′s and despite what health officials tell us we are living a lot longer these days and there is no reason that our elders should suffer depression because they feel isolated and alone.
We should all practise a few acts of random kindness toward our older generation. Make a point to say a few kind words to that old lady that has a house full of cats or that mean old grumpy man that never has any family or visitors around, you may be surprised at how much a little kindness could make such a big difference in another human life especially if they are elderly and feel isolated and alone.
