Depression in old age.

“You don’t count your age, you make your age count” – Unknown.

The above saying is quite true, but rarely seen put into practice. Most old people instead of enjoying their present prefer spending it worrying and fretting over their past and future! Couple this with the deaths of near and dear ones, loss of an active social life, a feeling of isolation as near and dear ones get busy with their own lives and old age depression is imminent.

Is depression natural in old age?
Depression is not natural in old age even though it is common in adults above 65 years of age. Most often, environmental factors such as the death of near ones and isolation, along with physical factors such as a chronic illness or certain painful conditions tend to induce depression in old people.

Depression during old age is more likely to affect women than men. People above 65, who have a medical history of heart problems, stroke, joint ailments and chronically painful medical conditions, face a higher risk of suffering from depression during their old age. Even those who have a history of drug and alcohol abuse are more prone to depression than other non- addicts.
But can depression be harmful in old age?
Depression can be harmful during any age, but more so during the old age, as it is coupled with isolation and lack of social activity. More over depression can also lead to various mental and physical problems if ignored in old people, which in most cases goes unnoticed as dementia. And since depression has a direct link to suicide it is a major concern, be it in old people or teenagers.

How can one identify the symptoms of depression in old people?

Symptoms of depression in old people, as mentioned earlier can be easily missed due to doctors and family members confusing them with other age related problems, however following is a list of symptoms that you should keep your eye out for, if your parent or any other old person in your house has been behaving a little differently than their regular selves.

• Gloominess
• Loss of interest in social interaction and hobbies, if any
• Loss of appetite and resultant weight loss
• Alcohol or prescription drugs abuse
• Disturbances in sleep patterns, like sleeping through the day and staying awake at night, sleeping for unusually long hours, staying awake for long hours at a stretch
• Lack of interest in various other things such as personal hygiene and self-medication
• Forgetfulness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Often feeling anxious and nervous

How to prevent depression and ensure a happy senior citizen?

Depression is a treatable condition, and can be treated with the help of medications and therapy. However some prescription medications to tend to cause depression, so be sure to consult your doctor before administering the medicines.

Following are a few ways in which you can help prevent or get an old person out of depression:
Schedule regular social activities for them: The first thing that depression does to any person is that, it robs them of their self worth and esteem. This directly results in a reduction in that individual’s social interaction, and as man is a social animal, a reduction in social interaction leads to isolation and depression.

To counter this, you need to schedule social activities for them, mostly with people belonging to their age group. Activities such as attending Prayer meets, laughter groups, daily morning walks, family functions etc can ensure that their social interactions stay intact and they don’t feel unwanted or useless.

A proper Diet is a must: Having a proper diet can help in preventing depression. Most times depression is caused in old age due to chronic illnesses and medicines taken to counter these diseases and conditions. Having a well-balanced and nutritional diet will ensure that they get their required nutrition, their body’s immune system will be strengthened and they will have fewer ailments and lesser medications too.

Ensure that they complete their treatment: Depression in the elderly which is being treated with the help of medicines needs to be followed up i.e. you need to ensure that medicines are being taken on time and the doctor’s orders are being followed by them to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.

Get them a furry friend: Pets are good way to combat depression, as has been proven in many studies on the same. A pet will not only give them constant company but will also take their mind off their negative thoughts, furthering a positive feeling in them, thereby reducing their depression considerably!

Get them to Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle not only promotes an unhealthy body but also an unhealthy mind. As one ages the body becomes more and more stiff and due to the weakening of the immune system, it falls prey to various diseases. An hour of light exercises in old age is enough to take care of niggles such as stiff joints and mobility, plus it also promotes a sense of well-being and helps them to socialize in the process, if they are going to a gym.

And as Maurice Chevalier says, “Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative”. Don’t let the elderly lose their golden years to depression; help them enjoy their old age.