Elderly age depression

Older people suffer both form physical disorders and mental problems. As for mental sphere, older people often think about the imminent death, loss of prospects, generation gap. The loss of a beloved person violates the usual way of life and the established order in relations to other people and the whole world in general. Widowhood without a subsequent marriage in old age is connected with high risk of loneliness consequently leads to depressive disorders. Increased stress arises also from the adverse socio-economic conditions because it primarily affects older people, which in turn leads to the violation of their worldview and social disadaptation. Depressive state may develop as a result of the dismissal of older people from office. Dismissals are accompanied by painful experience. Older people feel themselves unnecessary and unclaimed. It prevents them from further professional and social self-actualization. One more reason for depressive disorders is move to another place of residence. This creates a special type of depression – "resettlement depression". Besides, depressive state of elderly people is often provoked by family conflicts.

Mental health of elderly people can be improved by various types of interventions.

Physical exercises bring both physical and psychological benefits, including satisfaction with life, good mood and mental well-being and reduce the manifestations of psychological distress and symptoms of depression.

Friendly relations give social support to older people. They need their actions to be appreciated. It is desirable to confirm the accuracy of their actions and appreciate their progress. Questions to older people about their past are very beneficial to them. Ask an elderly person to tell about his/her relatives, childhood, the places where he/she lived as a child, interests, etc. Look through old photos of his/her childhood, youth, labour activity, etc. It always enhances self-esteem of an elderly person. Older people should feel your authentic interest in their life stories and your wish to go through these events mentally. If an older person doesn't believe in your interest, he/she is likely to become withdrawn, and you will lose his/her credibility.