4 Major Factors That Contribute to Depression In Seniors
Depression In Seniors has been a major issue our seniors are facing in recent years. Managing your loved one’s mental and emotional health might be one of the most difficult aspects of being a family caregiver. If you don’t know what to look for, distinguishing between indicators of aging and evidence of mental or emotional disorders might be tough.
You can help your aging family member make essential adjustments, pursue beneficial treatments, and do whatever it takes to stay as healthy as possible, for as long as possible, by recognizing the variables that put them at risk for depression and knowing how to identify red flags.
Depression in Seniors: Factors that Contribute
Here’s are major factors that contribute to depression in seniors:
1. Isolation
Around 11 million older persons in the United States live alone, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. While living alone does not always lead to loneliness and depression, it does make them more likely, and it is one of the leading environmental causes of depression in seniors. Living alone, with restricted mobility, minimal social interaction, and little to no personal human connection, can be depressing. This is especially true for senior citizens, whose lives become increasingly lonely as their children grow up and move away, friends pass away, and leaving the house to contact with others becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible.
Also Read: GREAT STEPS TO TAKE WHEN AGING ALONE
2. Personal History And Relationship Status
Statistics show that older individuals who are most at risk of depression are unmarried and/or socially isolated. Seniors who have gone through stressful or traumatic experiences in their lives are also at danger. Elderly women who are unmarried as a result of death, separation, divorce, or another traumatic event are more likely to get sad as they grow older.
3. Conditions Physically
In theory, any disabling condition or illness that confines elders to their homes can cause sadness. However, several conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic pain conditions, have been linked to depression. Being on several drugs and experiencing regular, painful treatments, in addition to the consequences of the illnesses itself, can contribute to feelings of depression and sadness.
You can also read: The 15 Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors
4. Insomnia
Many elderly, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia, have trouble sleeping. Sundowning, anxiety during the night, sleepwalking, agitation, and other sleep-related issues are all possible outcomes. The more depressive symptoms your loved one develops, the more difficult it will be for him or her to fall asleep and stay asleep. As a result of the lack of sleep, depressed symptoms will develop, and the body’s ability to defend itself will be harmed. Overall, insomnia and sleeping problems can have a significant detrimental impact on your aging loved one’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
Even if a senior is not clinically depressed or has no history of depression, the feeling of loneliness and isolation caused by any of the above might trigger depressive symptoms. Regardless of existing diseases or relatively good health, these can contribute to a loss in cognitive function, aggravated mental health problems, and an increased risk of dementia. This is why it’s crucial that you function as your senior’s eyes and ears and pay great attention to them, especially if they exhibit any of the aforementioned depression risk factors.
Summary: Factors that Contribute To Depression In Seniors
- Isolation
- Personal History And Relationship Status
- Conditions Physically
- Insomnia
Next Post: Major Ways To Overcome Depression In Seniors
How Can I Assist My Loved One in Dealing With Depression?
Care At Heart has worked with many Philadelphia family caregivers, and we have the tools, personnel, and experience to provide your loved one with the individualized care they require. We can offer your family member with the caring, knowledgeable, and high-quality care they require, and we can do so in a way that fits into your schedule.
Call (610) 765-0497 to speak with a member of our staff, or fill out our online form to inform us about your loved one and their requirements.