ELDERLY DEPRESSION: IS IT A NORMAL PART OF AGING?
It’s not as talked about, acknowledged or studied as teenage depression or adult depression, but elderly depression is being diagnosed more frequently in long-term care facilities and in the community than it has been in the past. In turn, caregivers and providers are paying more and more attention to this condition.
Despite what many people think, the onset of depression is separate from aging. In other words, depression shouldn’t necessarily be expected, accepted, nor go untreated simply because an individual gets older. Illnesses and certain medical conditions are apart of life for everyone, however, depression isn’t. Therefore, because a medical condition is diagnosed, depression shouldn’t be tolerated without treatment. It shouldn’t be accepted, nor go untreated because an elderly individual has lost a spouse, another family member or a pet either. Although small, there is a difference between a state of grievance and a state of depression.
A change in environment may cause one to be sad and somewhat confused, but pay close attention to the possibility of a senior slipping into major depression should they have to move from home to a long-term care facility.
· The first step to the process of helping a depressed elder come out of their depression, thereby, improving their quality of life is acknowledging the fact that depression is NOT a normal part of aging.
· Knowing the causes of depression is the second.
· Third step is figuring out the difference between sadness or grievance, and depression. This may prove a difficult feat. However, being aware of the causes help discern one from the other. Likewise, perceptiveness to the symptoms of depression will also help. Being cognizant to whether a loved one is sad or grieving (which can actually be healthy and will pass in time with no medical intervention) or if they are depressed should prompt appropriate treatment.
· Lastly, appropriate and timely treatment is paramount in ensuring a sound quality of life.
Nemi Weeks,NHA,MBA
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Elderly Depression: Causes
ELDERLY DEPRESSION CAUSES
As written in my last article "Elderly Depression: Is It a Normal Part Of Aging?", the second step to helping a depressed elder come out of depression is to know the causes. After one has acknowledged the fact that depression and aging don’t necessarily go hand in hand--that depression shouldn’t be expected, accepted nor go untreated as an individual grows older--learning why they may be depressed from the get go will give you a starting point.
While depression should not be accepted and go untreated simply because a person ages, it should be noted that depression is known to be linked to factors such as poor physical health, leaving home, and losing a loved one.
Below are possible causes of Elderly Depression.
Inherited: A family history of depression may put one at a higher risk
Lack of Social Support: It may be difficult for elderly individuals to receive the social support they need to live a quality life
Reduced Sense of Purpose: With their children not depending on them financially nor, perhaps, emotionally, and with many elders widowed, it’s difficult to feel needed.
Health Problems: Physical or mental conditions may limit one’s freedom and mobility, leading to fewer opportunities to enjoy prior activities
Substance Abuse Problem: Depression may be caused by a response to an actual chemical or to the lack of control one has over the addiction
Loneliness and Isolation: Many elders are alone due to friends and family passing over time, and their kids living out of state or out of the country
Medications: Some medications will cause side effects that trigger depression
Fear: Given all of the above, it’s no wonder the elderly might be a little fearful of what is to come in the near and distant future. There are so many uncertainties.
The third step to helping depressed elders move toward having a good quality of life is to learn what the symptoms of sadness and the symptoms of depression are. Paying attention and intervening early is half the battle. To intervene appropriately and timely, you must know what to look for and be cognizant to the presence of these symptoms.
As written in my last article "Elderly Depression: Is It a Normal Part Of Aging?", the second step to helping a depressed elder come out of depression is to know the causes. After one has acknowledged the fact that depression and aging don’t necessarily go hand in hand--that depression shouldn’t be expected, accepted nor go untreated as an individual grows older--learning why they may be depressed from the get go will give you a starting point.
While depression should not be accepted and go untreated simply because a person ages, it should be noted that depression is known to be linked to factors such as poor physical health, leaving home, and losing a loved one.
Below are possible causes of Elderly Depression.
Inherited: A family history of depression may put one at a higher risk
Lack of Social Support: It may be difficult for elderly individuals to receive the social support they need to live a quality life
Reduced Sense of Purpose: With their children not depending on them financially nor, perhaps, emotionally, and with many elders widowed, it’s difficult to feel needed.
Health Problems: Physical or mental conditions may limit one’s freedom and mobility, leading to fewer opportunities to enjoy prior activities
Substance Abuse Problem: Depression may be caused by a response to an actual chemical or to the lack of control one has over the addiction
Loneliness and Isolation: Many elders are alone due to friends and family passing over time, and their kids living out of state or out of the country
Medications: Some medications will cause side effects that trigger depression
Fear: Given all of the above, it’s no wonder the elderly might be a little fearful of what is to come in the near and distant future. There are so many uncertainties.
The third step to helping depressed elders move toward having a good quality of life is to learn what the symptoms of sadness and the symptoms of depression are. Paying attention and intervening early is half the battle. To intervene appropriately and timely, you must know what to look for and be cognizant to the presence of these symptoms.
Nemi Weeks,NHA,MBA
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Why Do The Elderly Love Babies so Much?
WHY DO THE ELDERLY LOVE BABIES SO MUCH?
Ever notice how our elders simply light up when babies and kids come around? Ever notice how they stare at you and your little one as you walk through the mall or while you wait at the doctor’s office? Ever notice how grandma always has a piece of candy for Jr. when he comes over to visit?
Why is this? Well, I’ve always wondered.
Could it be the smooth baby skin? Maybe it’s that wonderful baby smell. Or perhaps it’s the curiosity of children and how they abound with energy!
It might even be deeper than you, I, or even they realize. Could it remind them of their once innocence? Do they long for those days again? There’s a chance that they wish to start over—to re-do, if you will, life. I wonder if they briefly think of their last 75+ years and how they might have made different choices, thereby, resulting in better health, more wealth, healthier relationships, a different religious affiliation, etc. Or maybe they are remembering raising their own children along with the ups and downs of doing so.
My opinion:
Evidenced by an elderly lady I ran into coming out of Publix yesterday, who asked to see my baby in the covered stroller, who then replied “they are truly a blessing, aren’t they?”, they simply see little ones as blessings. They respect the miracle of giving birth and raising children to become assets to society. Seniors have been there and done that. They know all-to-well how difficult it is to raise children, and all-to-well that there’s no greater satisfaction!
The next time you’re walking through the mall with your little one, or in the park, or in the drug store, please take the time to stop when you see the glassy eyes of an elderly individual gazing and admiring. They want to see your baby and experience all of those wonderful emotions again! If you visit a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or retirement community, by all means, walk your child around to speak to everyone who’s receptive.
If their faces don’t brighten up, trust me, their spirits will!
Cleshea, NHA, MBA
Owner/Operator of Orlando Home Care
Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Ever notice how our elders simply light up when babies and kids come around? Ever notice how they stare at you and your little one as you walk through the mall or while you wait at the doctor’s office? Ever notice how grandma always has a piece of candy for Jr. when he comes over to visit?
Why is this? Well, I’ve always wondered.
Could it be the smooth baby skin? Maybe it’s that wonderful baby smell. Or perhaps it’s the curiosity of children and how they abound with energy!
It might even be deeper than you, I, or even they realize. Could it remind them of their once innocence? Do they long for those days again? There’s a chance that they wish to start over—to re-do, if you will, life. I wonder if they briefly think of their last 75+ years and how they might have made different choices, thereby, resulting in better health, more wealth, healthier relationships, a different religious affiliation, etc. Or maybe they are remembering raising their own children along with the ups and downs of doing so.
My opinion:
Evidenced by an elderly lady I ran into coming out of Publix yesterday, who asked to see my baby in the covered stroller, who then replied “they are truly a blessing, aren’t they?”, they simply see little ones as blessings. They respect the miracle of giving birth and raising children to become assets to society. Seniors have been there and done that. They know all-to-well how difficult it is to raise children, and all-to-well that there’s no greater satisfaction!
The next time you’re walking through the mall with your little one, or in the park, or in the drug store, please take the time to stop when you see the glassy eyes of an elderly individual gazing and admiring. They want to see your baby and experience all of those wonderful emotions again! If you visit a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or retirement community, by all means, walk your child around to speak to everyone who’s receptive.
If their faces don’t brighten up, trust me, their spirits will!
Cleshea, NHA, MBA
Owner/Operator of Orlando Home Care
Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net
Sunday, November 30, 2008
10 Ways to Stay Mentally Active
I created this Blog after an experience I had when I went home for Thanksgiving.
My mom, who is approaching 60, has left her keys in the keyhole on the outside of the door to her condo several times...Overnight Even!! Scary, huh?!
When I went home for Thanksgiving, I noticed she has written "KEYS" on a piece of tape and stuck it to the inside of the door at eye level. Ofcourse, this will only be a reminder for a short period of time (evidenced by the fact that she left them on the outside while we were visiting!), because this tape will become part of the door, thereby causing her to no longer notice it.
Aging can be a frieghtening process for some. Some may see the downside to aging as less physical mobility, mental decline, and illnesses. As we all know, however, there is certainly an upside, which includes more financial stability, retirement, and grandchildren! One way to remove one of the cons is to...
Stay mentally active!
Your lifestyle may be the key to slowing cognitive decline. Studies have shown that older adults who are cognitive active were 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease and Dimentia than those who were not.
The following list spells out 10 great ways to stay mentally active.
1. Crossword Puzzles: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neuronsCrosswordPuzzles
2. Attend Lectures: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to very new information
3. Go to Plays: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to and watching something very new
4. Read and Write Daily: Preserves cognitive function How to Write Your Memoir
5. Gardening: M.Vaccae, a harmless bacteria found in soil, activates brain cells to release mood-lifting chemicals
6. Board Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons
7. Video Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons Wii Video Games (Very Popular)
8. Stay Curious and Involved: Exposes you to the opportunity to learn something new,
which will force the brain to do a different kind of mental processing Learn to Play Electric Keyboard
9. Enroll in a Course/Class: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by studying and applying a new skill Learn to Play Guitar
10. Remain Socially Active: Makes mental activity enjoyable and can reduce stress hormone levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells
All of these activities have a bonus effect besides brain stimulation: They are all confidence and self-esteem boosters. If nothing else is gained, you’re sure to have fun!
Cleshea, NHA, MBA
Owner/Operator of Orlando Home Care
Orlando Home Care
http://www.orlandohomecare.net/
Info@orlandohomecare.net
(407) 488-3448
My mom, who is approaching 60, has left her keys in the keyhole on the outside of the door to her condo several times...Overnight Even!! Scary, huh?!
When I went home for Thanksgiving, I noticed she has written "KEYS" on a piece of tape and stuck it to the inside of the door at eye level. Ofcourse, this will only be a reminder for a short period of time (evidenced by the fact that she left them on the outside while we were visiting!), because this tape will become part of the door, thereby causing her to no longer notice it.
Aging can be a frieghtening process for some. Some may see the downside to aging as less physical mobility, mental decline, and illnesses. As we all know, however, there is certainly an upside, which includes more financial stability, retirement, and grandchildren! One way to remove one of the cons is to...
Stay mentally active!
Your lifestyle may be the key to slowing cognitive decline. Studies have shown that older adults who are cognitive active were 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease and Dimentia than those who were not.
The following list spells out 10 great ways to stay mentally active.
1. Crossword Puzzles: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neuronsCrosswordPuzzles
2. Attend Lectures: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to very new information
3. Go to Plays: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by listening to and watching something very new
4. Read and Write Daily: Preserves cognitive function How to Write Your Memoir
5. Gardening: M.Vaccae, a harmless bacteria found in soil, activates brain cells to release mood-lifting chemicals
6. Board Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons
7. Video Games: Stimulates the brain, which can cause us to grow more neurons Wii Video Games (Very Popular)
8. Stay Curious and Involved: Exposes you to the opportunity to learn something new,
which will force the brain to do a different kind of mental processing Learn to Play Electric Keyboard
9. Enroll in a Course/Class: Forces the brain to do a different kind of mental processing by studying and applying a new skill Learn to Play Guitar
10. Remain Socially Active: Makes mental activity enjoyable and can reduce stress hormone levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells
All of these activities have a bonus effect besides brain stimulation: They are all confidence and self-esteem boosters. If nothing else is gained, you’re sure to have fun!
Cleshea, NHA, MBA
Owner/Operator of Orlando Home Care
Orlando Home Care
http://www.orlandohomecare.net/
Info@orlandohomecare.net
(407) 488-3448
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