Dark horse of death must be dealt with better for seniors

Dark horse coming describes musically death, not dealt with sufficiently for seniors

Carol Forsloff - Recently there has been a surge of
news articles related to depression in the elderly.  One of those major
causes for depression is the loss of loved ones for which experts say are solutions.

Looking at the past as opposed to the future, those who lose loved ones suffer from the depression that comes when someone who has been an integral part of one's life moves on through death.

Depression is a major factor in health problems, either through physical illnesses creating emotional problems or the impact of emotional problems affecting physical difficulties.  They are often mutually reinforcing.

Mental health experts for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, however, are now focusing not on just describing the problem but focusing on what to do.  The bulk of the effort now is in defining the supports the elderly need as opposed to restating the problem.


For years it was thought depression was simply part of the aging process, but science tells us now that seniors don't have to suffer.  They are candidates for psychotherapy,appropriate medication, and emotional support.
The senior needn't suffer any more than anyone else from depression, either through the loss of a loved one or the loss of health, without mental health supports being helpful.

What are those supports?  They include getting the elderly involved in activities of interest.  A family member, caseworker, or friend needs to spend time and discover what some of these activities might be because the first several encounters might not work.  That's because depression brings with it denial, refusal, entrenchment.

The second support that is critical is making sure the senior is eating regularly and well.  Those who are depressed often neglect healthy activities, which includes eating properly.  Lack of proper nutrition can also impact the condition of depression.  As doctors maintain the physical and emotional components of depression are mutually reinforcing.

Exercise is also important.  The frequent reminders about it are evidence of its value.  It is a protection, a shield against depression and can lift mood.

There are other critical needs of support that include involvement with friends, family or even the comfort of relative strangers.

The important fact in all this is seniors don't have to be depressed as a "natural part of aging."  That's because depression isn't natural with regard to aging unless it is tied with another factor.

Death may ride into one's life, as described by the singer, Tony Joe White.  It  need not take one through the darkness, when help is available as mental health research has observed it  is just as helpful for seniors as for the young.