Living Happily Ever After

A Precious Gift from Beginning to End...

Life is a string of adaptations to changes.  Most stages of life present excitement and hope for the future.  However, the elderly population would disagree this statement.  They have already had the excitement as a child of meeting new friends, having physically active bodies, and looking forward to school.  This population has already experienced the hope of meeting a significant other and bringing a new life into this world. They have had to adapt to changes such as their children growing up, moving out of the house, and leaving them alone.  They may have lost loved ones.  Now, some elderly people believe that their only reason for living is to die.  This is far from the truth.  It is my goal to educate the general population on the seriousness of geriatric depression and how to help them find a passion for life again.  They can live happily ever after if someone reminds them.

Who Does Depression Effect and Why Does it Matter? 

Nationally, "more than two million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression" (Mental Health America, 2012). It is important to understand that not all older adults have the same potential for developing depression.  The older adults that are more likely to be depressed are:  "older women, those who are not married or who have lost their partners, those who don't have friends or family who can support them, those who have had a medical problem such as a heart attack, stoke, or broken hip, or those who drink too much alcohol" (Healthwise, 2011).  "If suffering from depression, older adults are more likely than any other group to "handle it themselves."  Only 42% would seek help from a health professional"  (Mental Health America, 2012).  This is a serious issue since the needs of the other 58% of suffering adults are not being properly met.

Need for Public Awareness

By making the public aware that depression in the older population is a relevant issue that could be avoided, family members, friends, and communities may become more knowledgeable on the symptoms and risk factors to watch out for.  The elderly population needs to understand that their health is still important as they age.  If depression is a part of their life it is not a normal part of aging and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.  Finally, treatment options are available and should be considered to improve the overall quality of life.

Works Cited

Healthwise.  (2011, January 12).  Depression in older adults causes, symptoms and treatment.  Retrieved             from http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/depression-in-older-adults.aspx

Mental Health America. (2012).  Depression in older adults.  Retrieved from        http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF94FF-1372-4D20-C8E34FC0813A5FF9

Rachel Chambers