Depression and Loneliness in the "Golden Years"

Article submitted by T.E. Smith, RN, BS.

When you call your parents or loved ones on the phone to do your weekly check-up, you ask... "How are you doing?" Usually you will hear, "I'm doing fine" from the other end of the phone. Feeling good about the response, you move onto other topics. However, do you really know if your loved one is dong fine?

Most seniors do not want to bother their children with daily stories of sadness, loneliness, or health issues. They do not want to burden anyone with their unhappiness or discomfort. Unfortunately, this lack of communication between seniors and their loved ones can cause serious harm if left untreated.

It has been long researched that humans require social interaction. Maslow describes socialization as a human need to maintain physical and mental well-being. Without social interaction or the feeling of being wanted or needed, according to Dr. J. P. Waytuk, there is a high risk of a person becoming depressed. This occurs throughout life, at many different stages, however, is all too frequent in the elderly. Many physicians and family members alike disregard depression in the elderly as a normal outcome of aging. This is certainly not the case. Depression is not normal under any circumstances and can be very detrimental to a person's health.

Many situations can trigger depression in the elderly. Such as:

• The loss of a spouse, children or close friends
• Loneliness
• Physical illness and pain
• Years of providing care for a loved one with serious illness or dementia

There are numerous symptoms of depression in the elderly. They include memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, irritability, loss of appetite, fatigue, frequent falls, feelings of worthlessness, reluctance to participate in social or family events, insomnia, guilt, and weight gain or weight loss. Signs that indicate that it is no longer safe to be left at home...alone. In truth, any noticeable change of mood or behavior is an indicator that a visit to the family physician may be in order.

Researchers have found that the elderly are often reluctant to seek help for depression. Besides assuming that their symptoms are a simple result of aging, the elderly tend to be reluctant to "bother" their doctors and certainly do not want to let their family members know. Some try to avoid the stigma of mental illness.

There are many seniors who are living alone in their own homes, seemingly doing well to family members and neighbors. Most elderly do not want to "cause any trouble", they will not seek advice or speak about their symptoms to family or physicians. This is when it is imperative to bring the subject up. If there are any noticeable signs of depression, please do not hesitate to speak with your doctor or loved one. Depression does not typically cure itself without some type of intervention.

Many family members have found that increasing their social surroundings with peers has significantly improved their loved ones health, both physical and mental. Social Interventions include:

• Increased outing with family members
• In-home companionship
• Retirement/Assisted Living Communities
• Assisted Living Adult Care Homes
• Adult Day Care

Many seniors may require an outpatient program in combination with medication therapy to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

If you are concerned that your loved one may be suffering or has signs of depression, please do not hesitate to contact your physician or one of the nurses at CALLRN. For more information on depression, visit:

www.CallRN.com
480-807-4357

National Institute on Aging Information Center
www.nih.gov/nia
800-222-2225

National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org
800-969-6642