Depression In Elderly: Care and Attention

     Depression in the elderly is a mental illness that arises from feelings of disappointment, loss, or the tendency to reflect on past experiences or missing elements in life. Sometimes, it can also be due to difficulty accepting changes, leading to unhappiness, a melancholic mindset, and feelings of hopelessness, which may cause the elderly to lose the will to live. Family members or close relatives need to observe these signs and understand the problems at hand to help them through this challenging time.

Why Are Older Adults at Risk for Depression?

1.  Unaccustomed to Having Free Time

     Many elderly individuals are used to working for most of their lives. Some may have had significant job positions and worked hard for years. Upon retirement, they transition into a status of unemployment, which can be hard to adjust to. Over time, this can make them feel that their role and importance in life have diminished. They may have once been the main support for their families but now feel lost and useless. If family members do not provide adequate attention, their situation can worsen.

2.  Feeling Lonely When Alone

     After retirement, elderly people may find themselves spending the day at home alone, as their children and grandchildren go off to work or school. Being home alone during the day is something that many older adults are not used to, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can result in them feeling worthless or unimportant.

3.  Health Decline

     As people age, their bodies naturally change. These physical changes are often the most noticeable for the elderly, such as memory loss, hearing impairments, vision problems, limited mobility, and increasing dependence on others. These changes can lead to feelings of self-blame, stress, frustration, and depression due to a decline in brain function and hormonal imbalances.

4.  The feeling of Decreased Self-Worth

     The longer an elderly person lives, the more they witness the loss of family members, including parents, relatives, friends, and spouses. Some may even face the heartbreaking experience of seeing their children pass away prematurely. This leaves them living alone and without emotional support, further contributing to their feelings of loneliness.

How to Care for and Observe Signs in the Elderly

• Proper Nutrition: Provide a diet that is soft and easy to digest, focusing on carbohydrates and sugars to maintain energy levels in appropriate proportions.
• Engage in Activities: Encourage activities that stimulate the elderly person, such as conversations with family members, which can help alleviate boredom and improve mood.
• Create Relaxing Environments: Ensure they are well-fed and get enough restful sleep. If the elderly person struggles with insomnia, try playing calming music with slow rhythms and soft tones. A comfortable bed can also help ease anxiety.
• Show Understanding: Make an effort to listen and work together to find solutions to their problems. This will help them feel less isolated and reduce their stress levels.

If symptoms occur, recommended to take the elderly person to see a doctor.