13 Ways Seniors Can Lose Their Mojo

Problems coping with life often lead to depression. Depression is not a normal part of aging, but unfortunately, it is very common. Late-life depression affects about six million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10 percent receive treatment. This is likely because the symptoms of depression in the elderly are often confused with the effects of multiple illnesses and the medicines used to treat them.
Loss is often a contributor to depression. The following is a list of some losses that a senior may experience:
1. Loss of spouse, partner, family or friends
2. Lack of stimulation--living alone
3. Limited transportation--not able to get around and see the environment
4. Lack of goals--nothing to get up for in the morning
5. Fears--actual and imaginary
6. Physical illness--disability
7. Lack of exercise
8. Poor diet
9. No interest outside the home
10. Loss of income
11. Loss of country, language, culture--in the case of immigration
12. Loss of status--no longer working or needed by family
13. Loss of social group--same-sex partner may have died, invisibility of relationship in the local community, family may not facilitate contact with community
Loss is painful--whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, a long-time career or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It's depression.
Recognizing depression in the elderly starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Depression red flags include:
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Abandonment or loss of interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
- Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities or leave home)
- Weight loss, loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping or daytime sleepiness)
- Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Fixation on death, suicidal thoughts or attempts
Older adults don't always fit the typical picture of depression. Many depressed seniors don't claim to feel sad at all. Older adults with depression are also more likely to show symptoms of anxiety or irritability. They may constantly wring their hands, pace around the room or fret obsessively about money, their health or the state of the world.
What can you do to help?
Recent research shows that elderly women who have a vitamin B-12 deficiency are twice as likely to be severely depressed as those without this deficiency. People who are depressed often have poor eating habits, so it is difficult to determine whether the vitamin deficiency is a cause or result of depression. Some doctors say they often recommend that depressed patients try to improve their eating habits and take a multivitamin, along with other treatments.
The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for depression. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms of depression begin to abate (several weeks) or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs.
On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring if the depressed person is taking medication. The depressed person should be encouraged to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic products while on medication.
The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, the movies and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious worship or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.
What to Avoid
Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect her to "snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most depressed people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, she will feel better.