Depression not normal part of aging By Pure Matters Depression
is not a natural part of growing old but rather a medical
condition that should be treated aggressively. Depression in the
elderly, or in anyone, should not be thought of as normal. Some
groups are at higher risk, but the average older person is not
depressed any more than a young person. Depression is an illness
that affects around 14 out of every 100 adults over age 65 in
the U.S. Factors that may add to an older adult's risk for
depression is experiencing a loss of control over changes
related to the aging process and losing people that they love.
Depression is often not diagnosed because of stereotypes that
family, caregivers or even health care providers have that the
elderly are depressed in general. And the elderly often mask
their depression by packaging the problem in a physical
complaint, so diagnosis can take longer. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), these are typical
signs of depression: - Sleep problems, inc