Critical Thinking on Geriatric Depression

Geriatric depression can be quite dangerous as there is a high likelihood of going unnoticed.

Young people who suffer from depression are likely to have the intervention of other family members whereas, in seniors, depression may manifest symptoms that are likely to be confused with other health problems associated with aging.

When left untreated, geriatric depression increases the risk of heart-related problems.

It also increases suicidal thoughts as the will to live diminishes in depressed older adults.

It is, therefore, crucial, to have a presence in seniors and support them both medically and emotionally (Chang et al., 2015).

Causes of depression in the elderly

At any age in a human being, the relationship between physical and mental health is very strong.

Later in life, his link grows even stronger since seniors are more exposed to multiple chronic conditions.

Depression occurs concomitantly with the occurrence of other physical problems thereby increasing the risk for depression in seniors.

In the elderly, common risk factors for depression include:

Financial problems

Death of children or friends

Disagreement with children

Health problems

Losing a spouse, which increases the risk of living alone (Yang et al., 2015).

Inability to afford nutritious foods, medication for chronic illnesses, dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing devices.

Lack of regular exercise and

Inability to readjust to life after retirement.

Such conditions contribute to mental illnesses like depression.

Coping with geriatric depression

Lifestyle changes can be used to treat depression and protect the elderly from recidivism (Yang et al., 2015).

These include:

Being active by leaving the house

Using free time to volunteer, thereby expanding the social network

Adopting and taking care of pets

Adopting new skills

Embracing opportunities to have fun, say reading an interesting book.

Adopting healthy habits such as engaging in safe exercises that strengthen the body and boost one's mood.

Healthy dietary habits avoiding refined carbs and eating a balanced diet.

If these techniques do not work, it very important to seek professional help.

References

Chang, C. F., Lin, M. H., Wang, J., Fan, J. Y., Chou, L. N., & Chen, M. Y. (2013). The relationship between geriatric depression and health-promoting behaviors among community-dwelling seniors. Journal of Nursing Research, 21(2), 75-82.

Yang, Y. T., Wang, Y. H., Chiu, H. T., Wu, C. R., Handa, Y., Liao, Y. L., & Hsu, Y. H. E. (2015). Functional limitations and somatic diseases are independent predictors of incident depressive disorders in seniors: Findings from a nationwide longitudinal study. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 61(3), 371-377.