Depression in Older Adults: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

The feeling of sadness, lack of motivation and loss of interest in certain activities are normal things that we experience occasionally. However, if you tend to go through these constantly and these hinder you from performing your daily activities and enjoying a quality life, then you could be experiencing depression.

Globally, over 350 million of the population is suffering from depression. It can affect any gender of any age, although statistically, depression affects more women than men. Older adults – specifically aged 65 and above – are also more vulnerable to depression due to the changes in their life.

Depression is not a normal part of ageing

While many think that depression in older adults is inevitable, it’s actually not a normal part of ageing. Perhaps it just so happened that ageing adults go through similar experiences and changes that lead to depression. However, if preventive measures are undertaken and early diagnosis is made, then depression in older adults can be avoided.

The causes

Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses and other health conditions usually begin to manifest later in life, which put elders at risk of feeling too dependent. This can lead others to feel they are a burden, which can trigger depression. For some, it’s the feeling of hopelessness that they will get better and recover from their health problems.

The Feeling of Uncertainty and Lack of Purpose

It can’t be denied that as we age, we continuously search for our purpose in life. For older adults, they may feel that they have fulfilled much of their purpose and they start to become uncertain of what role they still play in life. Because they feel the lack of purpose, they may end up distancing themselves from people around them, including their loved ones.

Fears and Worries

Older adults may feel even more anxious about what the future holds for them as time is catching up with their age. Fears of abandonment and death are also inevitable, as well as added worries about their health and financial issues.

Feeling Lonely and Alone

Although we always hear that being alone and lonely are two different things, for older adults, those two things would usually go hand-in-hand. This is the time when they could become isolated from loved ones or those that they are used to be with. And this isolation, loneliness and grief can become a burden on them that it affects their way of living and the way they cope with problems.

Helping the elderly get through it

Depression is treatable with medication, electroconvulsive therapy and psychotherapy. The reason why a number of people with depression are not treated is because their condition is not diagnosed at all. In many cases, they feel embarrassed talking about their condition, sharing about their emotional well being and opening up to others about the issues they are going through.

At this point, it is necessary that they have someone they truly trust and feel comfortable with that will help and support them.

To be able help an elderly deal with depression, it’s best to first identify the signs and symptoms that they may be experiencing:

• Confusion
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability and mood swings
• Delusions
• Memory problems
• Social withdrawal
• Sleep problems
• Lack of interest in the activities that they used to enjoy

If these signs are constantly present in an older adult, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider so that a diagnosis can be made and any condition, if existent, can be treated and managed.

Tips for Relieving Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain can drive you miserable – the discomfort and stress can sometimes seem unbearable. Reaching for your pain reliever might give you a close-to-immediate relief, and that’s the usual remedy to most people suffering from arthritis.

But did you know that there are numerous other ways of managing discomfort and easing arthritis pain? A couple of friends shared their tips on how they deal with arthritis pain, and now it’s my turn to share it with you. Many of these you can try at home, but some will require a visit to your physician.

Exercise

Some people with arthritis often neglect the power of exercise, as they would normally address the problem at the onset of pain, instead of following a routine that can prevent joint stress. For others, they are worried that exercising might even worsen their condition as this could mean more load for their muscles and bones.

However, the right types of exercises will strengthen your bones. It’s a matter of understanding and knowing what these are. Walking, cycling and swimming are only some activities that are both healthy and safe for you. You can also visit your doctor who can help you create an exercise programme appropriate for your condition.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy or massages can also alleviate arthritic pain. It can ease joint stiffness and help you perform daily activities with less stress on your part. Make sure, however, that your therapist understands your condition to avoid triggering pain and possible injuries.

Assistive Devices and Orthoses

Canes, walkers, or handlebars attached to walls or rooms will not only help you function much easier during the day but also can avoid slips and falls. Additionally, you can use devices (orthoses) that will help maintain the alignment of your bones. These can be used in various joints in the body, as those in the hand, forearm, elbow, foot, ankle, knee and spine.

For the use of orthoses, you should talk to your doctor to learn about its specifications and find out your best options.

Hot or Cold Packs

Hot or cold compress can helpful in both relieving pain and preventing them. Hot packs can be applied on the area of affected joints to alleviate the pain and inflammation. You can use over the counter hot compress kits or soak a cloth in hot water. Be very careful though as you might burn your skin.

For hot packs purchased from the pharmacy, read the directions for use. In most cases, it is highly recommended to not use the hot pack directly on skin, but instead wrap it around a cloth or towel. The same goes if you are using homemade hot packs, such as hot water placed in a bottle.
Cold packs, on the other hand, can be used after a tedious exercise to avoid muscle spasm and joint pain. You can use a cold pack, ice bag or wrap ice cubes in a cloth or towel and you’re good to go.

Hot Shower

Need a temporary but quick relief? Then it’s time for a hot shower to relax your muscles, joints and the entire body. A 15-20 minute hot shower can do wonders to your body. When inside the bathroom, just be cautious with moving around to avoid falling and fracture. If you have a bathtub, then this can provide even more comfort and relief.

Do you have any other ways of relieving arthritic pain? Share with us you thoughts!

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