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The elderly stage is defined from 65 years of age. When negative factors affect the elderly's life too much, it will cause depression. Depression in the elderly is often combined with many other diseases, making it more complicated and difficult to treat.1. Causes of depression in the elderly
Depression is not only common in young children but also in the elderly. In particular, women are twice as likely to suffer from depression than men. The risk of depression also increases with accompanying neurological and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's...For people who have just retired, there are many changes that affect, even turn their lives upside down. such as:
Too much free time: This is the change, even the biggest shock when entering retirement, especially for a hard-working, dedicated worker. At that time, the body and lifestyle had not yet adapted to the full-time rest. The feeling of missing work, missing office relationships makes the elderly uncomfortable, even somewhat frustrated, easily angry because every day is idle. Some retirees return to work for many reasons: Not feeling comfortable, feeling useless, lonely... Worried about finances: Entering retirement age means a decrease in income somewhat. This also creates a feeling of insecurity, stress, anxiety and lack of confidence in the elderly when thinking about risks, especially about health, even though they have previously prepared carefully accumulated plans for health care. retirement. Many studies have shown that worrying about finances in retirement increases the hormone Cortisol, which has a negative effect on health and longevity. Feeling of being redundant in the family: Prolonged idle time also causes the elderly to feel weak, having no voice in the family due to being at home, having little contact with the vibrant outside world. Feeling out of date. If not shared and cared for properly, the thought "I'm an extra person, a burden for my children" will become more and more serious, leading to irritability, fatigue, and even depression. Sexually active: Approximately 70% of men and 20% of women >60 years of age are still sexually active. Several prospective studies have shown that sexual impulse does not generally decrease with age in both men and women. Medications can have side effects that affect sexual performance. More sensitive: In retirement, the social activity of the elderly will decrease somewhat. Therefore, even a small conflict with family members is enough to make the elderly feel lonely and lonely. An elderly person, often faces many health problems, aging, and even loneliness. The negative impact of chronic diseases and the death of loved ones is also a significant factor affecting the mental health of the elderly.
2. Some warning signs of depression in the elderly
Feeling bored, empty. Difficulty concentrating, forgetful. Always feel tired, do not want to do anything. Feeling guilty, worthless, unworthy, not worth living Insomnia or sleeping too much. Or angry, angry. Reduced interest in everyday activities or hobbies. Decreased appetite, weight loss, or overeating. Thinking about death, having suicidal thoughts or behavior. In addition, many patients with depression are also presented with symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, digestive disorders...3. Some notes on depression in the elderly
Most cases of depression tend to become chronic, with a high rate of recurrence, with incomplete recovery between episodes. 15% of elderly people in the community and in foster homes have symptoms of depression. Age itself is not a risk factor for depression, but widowhood and chronic medical conditions are factors that promote depression.Common signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder include decreased energy and concentration, sleep problems (especially waking up early in the morning and waking up many times during the night), decreased appetite, decreased appetite. weight and body complaints.
Compared with depressed young people, depressed elderly people often pay more attention to physical complaints. They are particularly susceptible to major depression with melancholy features manifesting in depression, suspicion of illness, decreased self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and a tendency to self-incriminate (especially with regard to sex and guilt) accompanied by paranoid delusions and suicidal ideation.
Cognitive decline in elderly depressive patients is often referred to as depressive dementia syndrome (pseudodementia) and can easily be confused with true dementia, which occurs present in about 15% of elderly depressed patients. In contrast, 25-50% of patients with dementia suffer from depression.
Depression can be associated with physical diseases and with drugs used to treat them, so it is necessary to be vigilant about drugs that can cause depression.
Depression in the elderly seriously affects the mental health of the patient, along with bad health effects. Therefore, when the elderly have just retired, facing many changes in time, activities or daily activities, relatives, families and children should pay more attention to the psychology of the new adult. retire.
Therefore, when discovering that a loved one has psychological symptoms or depression, the family member should also take the patient to the doctor immediately for treatment as well as necessary psychological measures.
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