Depression in Older Adults

          To write about a social issue that effects older adults can be a broad subject because in this present day they are considered the baby boomers, and have taken control over many of society's industries. But looking on a micro level, there are several determinants that can effect the elderly on a personal and independent level. The social issue I am talking about in this blog post is depression on older adults. I am writing in the perspective of a European on this social issue and will focus on the causes of depression and introduce studies which propose beneficial activities that reduce depression in older adults. All statistics found are North American and my entry is open to both Europeans and Anishnaabek peoples, written from a European standpoint.
       
         Depression is a mental disorder that does not occur because of aging, but rather effects a persons ability to function. It is possible for everyone to show different signs of depression, but can still be clinically diagnosed with it. There are several different types of mental disorders that relate to depression such as OCD, anxiety, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), bipolar depression, etc. This may all appear to be different in people due to the specific effects they may have. Studies show that depression is decreasing in older adults and the suicide rate is lowering, however it is still greater than middle-aged adults (Fiske, 2009). Depression in older adults is most likely a result of dementia, more specifically Alzheimer's disease, disabilities, and other mental disorders (Kurlowicz, 2003). With depression in older adults can lead to longer healing processes, both mentally and physically, poor adjustment rates, alcoholism, protein-calorie sub nutrition, and cognitive impairment, etc. (Kurlowicz, 2003).  The concern of depression in older adults has taken a peak due to the baby boomers. However, it is statistically proven that children/teens now a days have a 1 in 3 chance of developing a mental disorder throughout their lifetime.

          One of the biggest techniques that seem to help lower the impact of depression on older adults is exercise. 4Studies show that adults who are physically active and are able to get out and partake in activities will show lower signs of the effects of depression (Strawbridge, 2002). As stated earlier, the effects of depression can affect someones functions, and in older adults can affect their motivation to be active and they can have a sense of worthlessness and fatigue. During physical activity natural body chemicals are released and allow a person to feel, essentially, "good". If people partake in team or group activities, they can have a sense of placement and contribute their abilities to make the group function. Physical activity is proven to reduce morbidity and mortality (Strawbridge, 2002). One study showed that physical activity had a significant impact on prevalent depression and incident depression.

         So what I am proposing for this social issue, is to make easy access for older adults to participate in physical activity. I believe that old age homes should have a system available to residents so they can participate in physical activities on a regular basis. There should be organizations and clubs within cities specifically targeted towards older adults. They should be welcoming and encouraging and activities geared towards older adults. The activities should try and be sensitive as to not trigger any personal and social issues relating to this target group.

       I believe physical activity should be encouraged for everyone, as it has been proven to increase ones attitudes in a positive way. I also believe they need to put a better emphasis on physical activity in older adults, because it will decrease the impacts of depression, a major social issue that has taken control of many lives today.

-Amy

Sources referred to in this article:

1 Depression in Older Adults - Scholars Portal Journals. (n.d.). Search - Scholars Portal  Journals. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://journals2.scholarsportal.info/details-sfx.xqy?uri=/15485943/v5inone/363_dioa.xml

2&3 Geriatric Nursing Protocols for Best Practice: Second Edition - Google Books. (n.d.). Google Books. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JufnZmh6fHEC&oi=fnd&pg=PA185&dq=depression+in+older+adults&ots=m3pjNchE-U&sig=0dFL2Tb0Nv9Xp4ySw-lHDa3HnVI#v=onepage&q=depression%20in%20older%20adults&f=false

4 Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Subsequent Depression for Older Adults . (n.d.). Oxford Journals | Medicine | American Journal of Epidemiology. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/156/4/328.short