Depression in Seniors - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Depression is a dreadful disease for anyone, especially for senior citizens. Many of them grew up in a society that didn't understand depression as an illness and regarded the depressed as either crazy or incompetent so they may be reluctant to seek treatment. Also, with many seniors taking medication and suffering from other ailments, depression related symptoms can be confused with other things. It's important for children and other family members to pay close attention to an elderly relative if they suddenly withdraw from their normal activities or become unusually irritable, angry, worried, experience memory loss or lose interest in people in general. These are all clear signs of depression according to an article in U.S. News and World Report, which also claims that elderly people represent 20% of all suicides vs. 13% for the general populace. Also, depression can amplify other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, according to a study by Charles Reynolds, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.

Depression in the elderly tends to be more common in particular due to their loss of being independent, as well as the death of loved ones and the loss of a home. Loneliness, isolation and a diminished social circle and a decrease in overall mobility coupled with a loss of driving privileges also increase this risk. Females who are unmarried or widowed are especially at risk. Also, the elderly may feel like they're are burden on the rest of their family.

Unfortunately, society seems to normalize this with the aging process and equate getting old with being depressed. However, the last years of life, just like any other, deserve to celebrated. A phrase you may hear some older people say is, "oh, I'm too old for that," when it comes to learning something knew like using a computer and getting on line or taking a class and maybe even getting a degree. On the contrary, scientific evidence has shown that the older we get, the more we need to engage and use are mind to stave off dementia, and depression. There is absolutely know evidence that we should stop learning and growing. In fact, we are meant to learn for the remainder of our lives and the elderly need even greater stimulation. This is why so many bridge players fall into the elderly category and bridge is by far the most complicated card game there is.

Of course there are serious instances of clinical depression that are organic or chemical and require treatment with medication or even hospitalization, but these usually manifest at a much younger age. Very often, depression in the elderly is due to social conditions and perhaps a perception or stigma attached to being elderly.

For most forms of depression in the elderly simple exercise is enough to alleviate some of the symptoms. Brisk walking, and especially light weight training is vitally important for the elderly. When I worked as a fitness trainer I couldn't tell you how much I heard senior citizens say how great they felt specifically after performing weight training. And for elderly women concerned with osteoporosis it is especially important as weight training is the only exercise known to improve bone density.

For more serious forms of depression medication can reduce the symptoms by at least 60%. Also, a combination of psychotherapy may be necessary. In the long run, a re-engagement in social activities outside the family such as volunteer organizations and participating in a yoga class should keep depression at bay. Long term occasional therapy sessions will also probably be necessary to watch for relapses.

Getting old and eventually dying is a part of life for everyone, just like birth, marriage, graduations and birthdays. It all depends on how you perceive them. Depression need not come along for the ride.

Sources -
National Institute of Mental Health
U.S. News and World Report