Transcript Depression in Older Adulthood

Depression in Older
Adulthood
Team S.A.D
LaTricia Russell
Brianna Wells
Shetera Chaney Jackson
Treshana Davis
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more
hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
-Laurell K. Hamilton
How does Depression Differ in Older
Adults?
 Older adults are less likely to indicate that they are feeling depressed
 More likely to consult a physician than a mental health professional
 Depression more common in those with limited function due to other health
conditions
 Higher rate of suicide than any other group; twice that of the young
population (older men the highest rate)
 Unique Symptom: feeling confused or forgetful
 Symptoms are often confused with other ailments, and are not recognized
 Those with neurodegenerative disorders (ex. Alzheimer’s) run a higher risk
 15% of those aged 65+ struggle with depression
Demographics
Biological Factors
Physical changes
Genetics
Hormones
Brain Chemicals – nerve cells
Activity Theory
Activity Theory
 Expresses the importance of remaining socially and physically
active
 Positive relationship between activity and life satisfaction
 Quality of Life
 Individual opinion about well being
 Biopsychosocial
 Sedentary lifestyle in older adulthood may increase risk for
depressive symptoms
 Early Mortality
 Cognitive Decline
Psychological Factors
 Personality, stress and loss are some of the psychological
factors that can contribute to depression In older adults
 Personality
Association between depression and neuroticism
 Stress & Loss
Loss of spouse or significant other, loss of role in family or
society
 Suicide and depression in older adults
Disengagement Theory
 First theory proposed to describe the social process of
aging
 According to the disengagement theory as people pull
away from society concurrently society pulls itself away
from older persons because they no longer fit into its
cohesiveness
 When society pulls away from the elderly after they have
many years of social interaction, this can bring about a
feeling of loss which can lead to depression.
Social Factors
 Social Isolation
 Loss of Social Roles
Loss of a Loved one
Retirement
Health Problems
 Social isolation leads to increased risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal
ideation, and cognitive decline
 Loneliness is as a discrepancy between one's desired and achieved
levels of social interaction and is subjective and usually temporary
 Isolation-lacks a sense of belonging, minimal social contact or fulfilling
relationships
 Self-Determination Theory
Family Issues
 Familial issues are important in the progress of depression within older adults. During
periods of financial or psychological hardships specifically, strong family relationships
have been reported as being an important source of support (Daig et al., 2009 and
Sun et al. 2007). Studies have shown that satisfaction of the outcome of one's life
decreases the symptoms of depression. Not only is it important to have strong bonds
with family members, but relationships with friends are just as important as well.
Reports have shown that as adults tend to age, their social life diminishes due to
factors such as; outliving their family and/or friends, damaged relationships, or just
time related separation. By the time these adults age and can no longer travel like
they once could, they become isolated from people and the world around them.
This, in short, causes loneliness which allows depression to progress. Most cases of
depression derive from the abandonment older adults face when placed in a
personal care home or retirement center away from their loved ones where family
members often forget about them; minimal calls and little to no visits. Another factor
of depression in late adulthood is the perceived outcome of the person's life; if one
feels that he/she has not accomplished much or hardly anything throughout their
lifetime then they begin to experience depressive symptoms as well.
Cultural Issues
 “Age is a social construct and the experience of
growing old is culturally mitigated”
 The older adult should not be expected to socially
disengage
 Collectivistic versus Individualistic cultures
Ethical Considerations
 Social Justice: As social workers, we must realize the social injustices placed upon those
suffering from depression in late adulthood and advocate for a change. We cannot
continue to sweep this population under the rug as we go on about our lives. It would
mean a lot to even volunteer different places just to be the joy of a person's day or to set
up programs where others have that option to visit the older adults in nursing homes
suffering from depression.
 Competence: It is always pertinent to be competent of any group you decide to work
with. Understand the issues and limitations (if any) of not just the group as a whole, but
most importantly the individual themselves because no two people are alike. Tweak the
solution to match that of the person.
 Dignity and worth of the person: Always remind the client that they are in charge of their
life. Empower them so that you can then encourage them to make the change for
themselves. Let them know that they are capable of defeating their shortcomings.
 Importance of human relationships: When working with persons suffering from depression,
one must acknowledge the importance of human relations and the interaction between
others. This will allow the client to build some sort of rapport with others which would help
to build a support system for them.
Practice Recommendations
 In order to decrease the amount of depression within the late
adulthood population it is highly recommended that one correctly
diagnose a patient with depression by relying on a combination of
data and evidence from a person with clinical experience or
someone who may deal directly with the patient who would notice
a change in their behavior. It would also be beneficial to request an
evaluation of the patient (for accuracy). Most importantly, just
make sure the patient's needs are being met; physical, spiritual,
emotional, and mental. Become knowledgeable of the person so
that you can be able to distinguish "sad" from an ultimate change in
character.
REFLECTIONS
Conclusions
 Symptoms of depression harder to recognize in old age; remain
knowledgeable
 Old age and disengagement is a construct of culture
 Older adults should remain physically and socially active to prevent
depression
 It is not always social isolation that causes depression, but the depression
that can lead to isolation
 Older adult population has the highest rates of suicide
 In future practice, learn to recognize changes in behavior and character to
prevent depression