What Is Depression and How Does it Impact Senior Lives

What Is Depression and How Does it Impact Senior Lives

 June 3, 2022

A woman and an older person sitting on the couch

Do you ever feel like you have nothing you can do? Is it becoming more difficult for you to get through the day? Likely, you are not the only one experiencing this problem. Even if you’ve achieved great things in your life, depression may strike at any time. When you’re an older person, sadness may influence every part of your life, from how much energy you have to how much you eat to how much sleep you get.

Believe it or not, seniors are at risk of developing these symptoms linked to depression. Many think that seniors are sad as they get older, but when their sadness is ongoing. They’re losing interest in hobbies and activities, it becomes more than sadness. In-home care can help you notice the signs of depression or when a senior may need to see a doctor. Homecare can be one of the best tools to utilize if your senior plans to age in place.

Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a character fault, and it isn’t an unavoidable aspect of aging. Regardless of one’s upbringing or prior achievements, it may happen to anybody. Retirement, the loss of loved ones, and deteriorating health are all life events that may lead to depression, but they don’t have to keep you down. Even amid adversity, there are actions you can do to regain a sense of happiness and optimism and enjoy your golden years.


Signs of Depression To Look For


You should know what to look for in senior depression when you have a senior. However, keep in mind a lot of these symptoms can be misdiagnosed. Still, you should continue with these symptoms.

  • Feelings of despair
  • Unexplained aches
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lack of motivation and energy
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of self-worth
  • Slowed speech
  • Memory problems
  • Neglecting personal care

All of these can be signs of depression, and it is something to address with your senior parent. Depressive seniors often deny feeling sad, despite the common belief that the two go hand in hand. A lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, or a physical ailment may be their dissatisfaction. In fact, in the elderly, bodily symptoms like arthritic pain or increased headaches are often the most prominent signs of sadness.


Causes of Depression in Seniors


Depression is more likely to strike as we become older and have to deal with various big life transitions. Here are some things they may be dealing with as a senior with depression.


Seniors May Be Facing Health Problems


Chronic or severe pain, cognitive decline, and changes in your body image due to surgery or illness are all possible causes of sadness in people who are ill or disabled.


A Senior May Struggle With Loneliness


The loss of one’s social circle due to death or relocation, the inability to go about owing to sickness, or the loss of one’s driving privileges are all examples that might cause sadness.


They May Lose Their Sense of Purpose


Retirement may result in feelings of loss of self-worth, social standing, self-assurance, and financial stability, which can lead to sadness. Your feeling of purpose may be impacted if you are physically unable to participate in activities you formerly enjoyed.
 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Sewickley, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202