Depression In older adults is not part of growing older

Malta Independent Friday, 18 March 2011, 00:00 Last update: about 13 years ago

All these may be normal part of ageing, yet depression is not. In fact many elderly people are satisfied with their life despite the challenges of growing old.

Loss is painful – be it loss of independence, mobility, health, career or someone you love. Feeling sad and grieving over these losses is normal, yet losing all hope and joy is not. It’s depression.

One in six older adults have depression in various degrees of severity. Depression in later life often coexists with other medical illnesses and disabilities. It is also common for elderly adults to be isolated with few people around them as a result of death and retirement. Although depression in older adults is common, few seek the necessary help. The reasons for this may be because they assume it is a part of ageing, or because their support system is not strong enough to note the changes in the person, or even because the focus may easily fall on physical complaints

The consequences of not recognising depression may impose high risks if it goes untreated, including illness, alcohol abuse and abuse on medication, a higher risk of death from complications with other health conditions and even suicide.

What may lead one to develop depression in later life?

Those with a family history of major depression, failing health, chronic or severe pain, substance abuse problems and inadequate social support have a higher risk for depression. Some long-term illnesses or their treatment may act as triggers.

The signs and symptoms that an elderly person has depression are:

• Sadness and low mood;

• Hopelessness and Helplessness;

• Lack of interest in personal care;

• Fatigue and change in energy levels;

• Loss of feeling pleasure e.g. from a hobby;

• Isolation and withdrawing from social activities;

• Weight loss and loss of appetite;

• Sleep disturbances (trouble sleeping, waking very early or sleeping too much);

• Loss of self-worth;

• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medication;

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide;

• Irritability;

• Confusion and memory problems;

Note that one may not show all the above signs and other symptoms may also be occurring, hence it is important to seek medical help for an appropriate assessment. There may also be triggers other than those mentioned above, including medical conditions and side-effects of medication.

Dealing with depression

Some ways to combat and prevent depression include:

• Getting out and about – staying inside may increase the isolation and loneliness, triggering depression. Going for a walk, meeting friends, etc., can provide mental and physical stimulation that are essential to combat depression.

• Keeping regular contact with others – meeting, calling or emailing family and friends, going to the local day centre for elderly persons can also provide mental and physical stimulation, essential to combating depression.

• Planning and preparing healthy meals. Because you live alone doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have a varied diet that you can enjoy.

• Participating in activities one enjoys – it’s worth the effort to maintain hobbies or pick up old pastimes.

• Volunteering – helping others is one of the best ways to feel better and regain perspective in life.

• Following treatment as prescribed. Depression usually comes back in full force when treatment is stopped too soon, hence always follow instructions given to you by your doctor.

• Taking care of a pet. A pet can keep good company as well as can help keeping a healthy routine for the whole household.

• Learning a new skill. Pick something that you’ve always wanted to learn or that sparks your imagination and creativity. You’re never too old to do so.

• Enjoying jokes and stories – e.g. sharing a joke with a loved one, watching comedy or reading a funny book. Laughter provides a good boost to one’s mood.

• Exercising – even if one is ill, frail or disabled there are many safe exercises that can be done to build strength and boost mood – even from a chair or wheelchair.

The above are all forms of help that often come at no expense whatsoever but that can help reduce the symptoms of depression significantly. Depending on the severity of one’s depression, the above alone may not be sufficient, but don’t worry – help is at hand.

Treatment for depression in elderly

Treatment for depression is just as effective for older adults as it is for younger people. Therapy, support groups, and medication can all help relieve the symptoms. Antidepressant medications need to be tailored to the medical needs of the person, taking into consideration other treatment the person may be following. A combination of the above is usually found most effective.