Common Questions About Being Depressed For Elderly People

My grandmother was the bubbliest person I had ever known despite her aging. She lived in the same house in Florida with my grandfather for five decades and never wanted to move to another neighborhood. She even said, “Even when we cannot walk anymore, you can just send nurses here to take care of us, but we are not leaving this house.”

Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away two years ago. It felt sudden for all of us, considering no one knew about his cardiovascular disease except for him. Even my grandmother was unaware of it. She told us that Gramps had many medications, and she never heard him complain about chest pains, so she never suspected anything as serious as heart disease. Then, when his cardiologist went to his wake, he informed us that my grandfather had been dealing with his symptoms for three years already. He could have lived longer by getting an angioplasty, but he signed a form that practically stated that he should no longer be revived if things got worse.

We all honored Gramps’ wishes, but my grandmother felt bitter about it. She could not believe that he lied to her about something that graves – and brought the lie to his grave. “It’s as if I never knew him at all,” she said one day.

An older couple who are outside for a yoga. — Source: pexels.com

Of course, we knew that my grandmother did not mean that. However, we could not tell her what to feel because it must sting to know that you had been lied to by your soulmate. We did not account that my grandmother became depressed after that, and her body weakened. We only learned about it after she got hospitalized, and her doctor mentioned his concerns about my grandmother not wanting to live anymore.

Prevalence Of Depression Among Older Adults

With regards to old age and mental health, depression is a common mental health disorder among older persons or adults, with a prevalence rate that increases with age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 7% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from severe depression worldwide. Depression in older adults can strike without warning, and the symptoms of depression can go unnoticed for a long time.

In the United States, the prevalence rate of depression among older adults is estimated to be around 6.7%. However, this number may be an underestimation due to the reluctance of many older adults to seek help for mental health issues. Many older people ignore the risk factors, and don’t usually seek treatment.

Depression is a mood disorder more common in older adults who have other chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Additionally, depression is more prevalent in older adults who have experienced significant healthy lifestyle changes, such as retirement, loss of a spouse, or physical symptoms of disability.

Check The Warning Signs

It is important to note that depression is not a normal part of aging, and older adults should not accept it as an inevitable consequence of growing older. With appropriate treatment and emotional support, older adults with depression can experience significant improvements in their warning signs or symptoms of depression or mental health and overall quality of life. Combating depression in older people requires better public health care and more awareness of information about mental health conditions — such as bipolar disorder.

Challenges In Treating Depression In Older Adults

Treating depression in older adults can be challenging to person’s ability due to several factors:

The stigma around mental health: There is a persistent stigma around mental health issues in older adults, which can prevent them from seeking help. Many older adults may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they have been struggling with depression for at least two weeks.
Limited access to mental health services: Older adults, particularly those living in rural areas, may have limited access to mental health services and information. There may be a shortage of mental health professionals in their area, and they may face challenges accessing transportation to attend appointments.
Co-occurring medical conditions and medications: Older adults often have multiple chronic medical conditions, which can complicate the treatment of depression. Certain medications are used to treat depression, and these conditions can also interfere with the effectiveness of the antidepressant medications.
Unique challenges in therapy: Older adults may have cognitive or physical problems and limitations that can make it difficult to participate in traditional talk therapy. Cognitive decline, hearing loss, digestive problems, and mobility issues can all be barriers to effective therapy for depression.
Resistance to treatment: Older adults may be resistant to treatment, particularly if they have lived with depression for a long time. They may feel that their depression symptoms for more than two weeks are a normal part of aging, or they may be skeptical of the effectiveness of treatment.

Despite these challenges, it is important to prioritize the mental health of older adults and to provide appropriate support and treatment for depression. Depression can be difficult to detect, so healthcare providers should be aware of the unique needs of older adults and tailor treatment plans to meet those needs. Additionally, community resources and support networks can play a valuable role in helping older adults manage depression and provide better health care.

Prevention Of Depression In Older Adults

Preventing depression in older adults involves strategies to promote good physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to prevent depression. Social support groups and community involvement can also be beneficial, as they provide opportunities for social connection and engagement.

Preventing social isolation and loneliness is particularly important, as these are risk factors for depression in older adults. Volunteering, participating in hobbies and interests, and joining clubs or organizations can all help older adults to stay connected and engaged. Finally, older adults need to seek mental health professional help if they are struggling with depression or other mental health issues. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, and healthcare providers can provide support and guidance to prevent the development of more serious mental health issues.

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Depression In Older Adults?

There are several reasons why many older adults experience depression as they age. One of these reasons could be isolation, where they live alone without their family members’ support and love. Another reason could be their health conditions. What they are feeling, especially when it becomes terminal, can cause them to feel lonely and experience a depressed mood, as anyone would. Of course, a reduced sense of purpose can also cause depression as their movements are now limited, making them feel that there is nothing left for them to do.

Is There An Age Limit For Depression?

There is no age limit for depression. No matter how old you are, there is a risk for depression. However, depression may look different for different age groups. The mental illness symptoms can differ between a ten-year-old with depression and a seventy-year-old with depression. But then again, there is no age limit for this. Anyone can be at higher risk.

What Percent Of The Older Population Suffers From Clinical Depression?

The estimated number of old people who suffer from clinical depression is low to five percent. However, this may rise to 13.5 percent for those who now require healthcare at home and 11.5 percent for those older patients who are in the hospital due to their physical illnesses. It is good to note that this number is relatively low, meaning a bigger portion of the population of older people live happy lives.

What Is The Best Antidepressant For The Old?

It is always best to consult before taking any medications to avoid any clashes between the antidepressants and the possible drugs that older people are taking. This will ensure that you protect your loved ones from even more issues. Three SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are considered reasonably safe for older people to use due to their profile. These are Citalopram, Escitalopram, and Sertraline.

What Is Considered Old Age For A Woman?

There is a study that divides being “old” into three categories. The first category is younger people-old people, where the age group is around 60 to 69 years old. Another class is Middle-aged, where the people in this category are aged 70 to 79. Lastly, some very old people are 80 years old and above. Other studies have different subgroups, which will depend on who you want to base your grouping on.

How Can I Help My Elderly Loneliness?

There are different ways that you can help with depression for older people. Here is a quick rundown for these ways, you can help give them a sense of purpose, and you can encourage social interactions through physical activities and maybe trusting them with a chore or two. Of course, you should always make depressed people feel loved and supported, but if you feel that this is not enough, consult with a doctor to get the necessary help.

Who Is At Greatest Risk For Depression?

A number of different factors can determine whether a person is at high risk for depression, such as genetics, loss of a loved one, abuse and trauma, illnesses, alcohol or substance abuse, isolation, and more. People who have been through – or are going through – these factors are the most at risk for developing depression. So, keep an eye on those you love. Consult a doctor if needed, especially if it’s an older people with depression.

What Race Is Most Affected?

African Americans and Hispanics are the most affected by depression. The study concluded that those in the minority are more at risk and are more affected by depression than Caucasians or whites. Although more recent studies have shown that there is no specific race that is most affected or most at risk.

Which Age Group Has The Highest Rate Of Depression?

In 2019, it was recorded that major depression was most common in adults aged 18 to 25 years old. They comprised 13.1% of the statistic, and to break this number down, it was most common among adult females at 8.7% than the adult males who stood at 5.3% of the statistic. In the United States alone, depression among adults is represented by 7.1%.

Final Thoughts

Despite my grandmother’s objections, we brought her to a nursing home. It was not because no one wanted to take care of her – it was more because we knew that she would do better around people her age. In the nursing home that we chose, they had many seniors’ activities, including some sports. The gloomy grandmother we left there that day became bubbly again after two months.