This site is for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

     As mentioned before, Depression effects people of all ages, and the Elderly are no exception.  Depression in the Elderly shows up a little differently than in younger people.  Instead of appearing as anguish or anxiety, depression in elderly is characterized by things such as loss of memory, concentration and thinking ability. Many elderly are filled with guilt feelings usually over irrelevant things.  Things that once brought them pleasure are now of no interest to them.

 

 

     Despite all of this, depression in the Elderly is still sometimes hard to recognize.  Many times people mistake the symptoms as just part of 'old age.'  The best way to recongnize and identify depression in the elderly is by having constant contact with them.  There family members are in the best position to do this.

     Physical and mental fatigue can also cause depression in the elderly.  Many times it's just poor health or excessive worrying, such as, fear of crime.  Elderly ones may feel depressed because they  no longer have the strength and vigor they once had. Many times they feel as if they are in the way. They may feel unloved and unwanted.  This is especially true when they have lost their marriage mate.   Which brings about another problem, loneliness.

     Sadly, in today's society, many people find it too hard to care for their elderly relatives or just don't want to be bothered so they end up placing them in nursing homes or even an assisted living complex.  This only adds to their depression because it brings about more loneliness,  so they usually end up giving up on life. 

     The main reason that the Elderly lose the will to live is due to social isolation, loneliness and depression.  Many Elderly feel they have lost their respect, their power and their control over different things.  Anxiety and fatigue can affect mental balance.  Because of the different weaknesses brought about by old age or even the stress of just feeling sick all the time, many Elderly ones express a desire to die.  This should not shock us. 

     There are several ways to help Elderly ones find comfort from their depressed state.  For one, be understanding.  Don't talk down to them.  Try to treat them with honor and dignity.  Above all, always be patient in dealing with them.  Many times the Elderly can't do as much as they used to and don't react as quickly.  So patience is extremely important.  Even if you mean well, try not to behave in a domineering or authoritive way and avoid the urge to always take charge.   This may rob them of their self-esteem. 

     Assisting the Elderly of their depression may require several steps.  Make sure they are getting enough rest and eating right.  Many times if the Elderly one lives alone, they do not eat regularly or they don't eat enough.  This is important because many Elderly take presciption drugs for other ailments they have.  If they are not getting enough food in their system and they are taking their medication, this can very harmful.  At the same time, many Elderly forget to take their medication and sometimes even take the wrong dose.  This too can be harmful. 

     Since the depressed mind is rarely thinking properly on the facts, it must be refreshed.  When friends and relatives are supportive during this difficult time, it can do a great deal of good.  If your Elderly parents are not living with you, always remember that hearing from you can mean a great deal to them.  Write a cheerful letter, send pictures of the grandchildren, a simple phone call or better yet, a visit can all greatly contribute to their joy.  Remember, one day we may be in their shoes, so we want to set the example for our children so that we are not forgotten in our 'golden years.'

     So with love, patience, empathy and especially understanding, we can assist our Elderly relatives and let them know they are loved and appreciated.  This can help ease their feelings of depression.  Remember though, at times there may be situations where no form of medical treatment seems to be working.  If that's the case, long-suffering along with self-sacrificing love is definately needed to aid these ailing ones.