Depression Amongst Older Adults

As I was going through my research on depression in the later stages of life it really dawned on me how vulnerable older adults are, I especially sat back and looked at my own community and how the added language barrier and stigma about mental illness within the Somali community would make it extremely hard on elderly people facing depression.

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems amongst the increasing elderly community. Its varied presentation in symptoms is sometimes hard to distinguish between the many other illnesses and symptoms that affect the elderly (wasylenki,1980). These varied presentations in symptoms can sometimes be masked by other illnesses that come with old age, such as “tiredness, fatigue and lack of energy” (Wasylenki. 1980). To add to this, “somatic pain” which is ones relating directly with the body and separate from the mind makes it more difficult to treat because they tend to focus on those symptoms instead of the underlying mood disorder (Wasylenki, 1980).

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems with the elderly community and it affects not only our elders but also their families due to the increased care that they will need putting a higher strain on the families (Wiese, 2011). “There is also often a tendency for people to see their symptoms as part of the normal aging process, which they are not. Depression in the elderly still goes undertreated and untreated, owing in part to some of these issues” (Wiese, 2011). Fortunately depression can be treated rather successfully but the key is to the diagnoses.

While looking at how political ideologies might impact the issue I came across the article " Depression and mental health in neoliberal times". The article talks about this neoliberal view of "responsibilization" of our communities, which basically means putting the responsibility of caring for those who are mentally ill on the individuals, families, communities and workplaces with the main interest being the reduction of public spending on services and supports (Teghtsoonian, 2009). This reflects the main idea of neolibralism in that it wants to put responsibility of the individuals instead of the government.
Thinking of my community and my grandmother who use to live with us, my own community doesn’t often speak about mental health because of the stigma associated with it, I recognize that not many elderly would get treated even if they do have symptoms of depression. I also thought about the fact that there is an increase hassle of not being able to understand the doctor. This language barrier would leave no room for privacy even if they an elderly person might want to see a doctor.

Hoda

References:

Wasylenki, D. (1980). Depression in the elderly . Canadian Medical Association Journal, 122, 525-532.

Wiese, B. S. (2011). Geriatric depression: The use of antidepressants in the elderly. British Columba Medica Journal, 53(7), 341-347.

Teghtsoonian, K. (2009). Depression and mental health in neoliberal times: A critical analysis of policy and discourse. Social Science & Medicine, 69(1), 28-35.

Final Words (Bonus)

Age friendly cities and communities --> Check it out!

I have learned a lot in this course about older adults living in Canada; particularly in the North and in First Nations communities. Through reading the thoughts, ideas, and concerns of my fellow group members I have learned a great deal more than I would have through my own writing. The blogging assignment was effective in that it gave voice to everyone’s individual perspective so that as students we could understand how others perceived similar issues.

Canadians face a number of challenges as they age. With the increasing number of older adults in Canada, it will be essential to create communities that are not defined by age but supportive of it. Health services, infrastructure, financial security, and community awareness are necessary in supporting the rising number of older adults across Canada. I wanted to wrap up the course on a positive note. I would like to share an initiative for “age friendly communities” that I think is quite beautiful in its intention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada have presented a united front in building age friendly communities. The foundation of this community building project is based on the concept of active ageing which involves creating the infrastructure and social inclusion that supports the process of ageing. Reaching these goals involves awareness building and strategic planning at the local level in various cities and communities. Active ageing is determined by a number of key factors in the community such as economic, social, personal, behavioural, and physical determinants as well as health and social services (Plouffe, 2011). As individuals we can contribute to making our own communities age friendly by being aware of our own biases about older adults and by working to develop positive relationships to the individuals who are ageing in our community.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has shared their thoughts, research, and creativity throughout the semester!  

-          Kayla Tessier

  References

Plouffe, L. (2011). Age-friendly cities and communities: WHO and Canadian initiatives. Public Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.queensu.ca/sps/events/conferencesandworkshops/qiisp/201112/videospresentations/LouisePlouffe.pdf

  

BONUS POST

Throughout the semester I have been exposed different policies, views, and laws/acts made that have affected people worldwide, and more specifically impacted the way older adults live their day-to-day lives. The different viewpoints/lenses like neo-liberalism, marxism, feminism, socialism, neo-conservatism, and social democracy, all have different standpoints on society and what they believe most important/valuable. They affect how individuals within a community think and can shift their values, beliefs, and their social norms. In relation to older adults, these lenses have swayed the perception of older adults within their communities, and it either becomes easier or more difficult for them to obtain certain aspects of their lives. For example, old age pensions, old age home security, retirement and work plans, and education. These are just a couple hardships that older adults can face on a regular basis.

It was also interesting to learn about how much there is that affects older adults to frequently, and most of society doesn't even notice. Mainly around the fact of discrimination, which is a huge part of why older adults struggle so much within the community. They face discrimination in the workplace, in relations to health care, housing, and financial needs. You would think that society would want to help and support the older adults after their contribution to the community for so many years. It only makes sense that that would be the case, but that would be in a perfect world. In today's society, people want what's best for them, and they will do what they need to in order to achieve the greatest they can. And at the end of the day, it is particular minority groups like older adults who get the short end of the stick. I think it's important to learn these discriminatory actions at an early age so we can become aware of them now, in order to do something about it in the future.

I have taken a lot away from what this course has taught me, and all the research along the way for my particular group. It was also interesting to read other blogs and their posts, and how these types of lenses affected their particular group. I believe this has been very informative for me, and will be useful as fall back information in my future towards my career option. I believe that more people need to become aware of the hardships faced by many minority groups in Canada so we are able to build a stronger and more wiser community around us.

-Amy

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a common disease on First Nations communities, it usually targets the elderly and the middle-aged, but is now targeting a small group of younger people.  It is a genetic disease which means if one of your parents have had it than you are prone to get it at some point in one's life.  People usually develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th year, often in early adulthood or even teenage years.  Native people usually do not eat healthy meals or have poor living conditions which contribute alot to this disease, not exercising is another main factor along with obesity.

Diabetes mellitis describes a group of metabolic disease in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar) either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both.  Patients with high blood sugar will typically experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).  People may be able to control diabetes symptoms usually by losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise and monitoring their blood glucose levels.  Experts are not completely sure why, but say that as we age we tend to put on weight and become less physically active.  

With lack of care for the elderly on First Nations it is hard to maintain a healthy diet.  If they had more programs such as meals on wheels with the right dietary foods from Canada's food guide we may be able to stabilize this disease.  Our health professionals on-reserve don't visit the elders on a regular basis to ensure that they are eating right.  Many of the elders have to rely on family members to cook and buy groceries.

This disease seems to target people of Middle Eastern, Africa, South Asian and North American Native descent at higher rates than the white population.  Over the past decade however, this disease has become an epidemic in North America.  We need more strategic planning and promotion of healthier living on and off reserves.

Meegwetch,

Arlene

References:   www.symtomfind.com/diabetes

                    Canadian Diabetes Association 

What It Means To Be An Older Adult In Canada: Marxist View

The basis of defining of how older adults live in Canada is found while studying ageism and how they are affected by this simple term. Many have a hard time accepting the aging of people because we are living in a society that fights aging to vigorously. There are many programs in place in Canada, and over the world (the prospect of aging has taken over peoples ideas and philosophies) that are trying to shine the light on the positives of aging. One example of this is the European Union's Healthy Aging Project, who stated: "Older people are an intrinsic value to society. Many older people live a most meaningful life and are a resource for society. They contribute to society, work in a paid or unpaid capacity as volunteers, care for family members and friends, and carry out informal work in organizations and associations" (Keon, 2009). If more people were able to get a hold of this idea then we are able to possess a more positive outlook towards older adults and would be more eager to care for them and provide better services for them.

Dealing with the aging in Canada is dealing with the stereotype it sets on older adults. Ageism is an act of discrimination towards older adults that deals with making assumptions about capacity, ignores the older person's wishes, and can sometimes treat the older adults as children (Keon, 2009). For some reason people cannot come to the conclusion that older adults can be useful to society even in their circumstances. The fact that they are mistreated and underprivileged is a major concern and personally does not sit right with me. All of these major concerns such as pensions, workplace, health benefits, accessibility, etc., are primitive issues that concern society in aiding older adults.

When looking at this issue from the marxism perspective, it is easy to see where the discrimination comes from in our society. Marxism deals with the idea that people are on top because they worked for it, and those on the bottom deserve to be because they didn't meet society's requirements. In Marxism the most important features in society are its economic classes and their relations to one another (McCarthy, 1995). Perhaps society has such a hard time assisting older adults because they have an underlying marxist views. We can't deny this fact; people will always strive to be on the top, because they believe they deserve it and will do what they can in their power to achieve those goals. There is a focus on themselves and not others, particularly why older adults have such a hard time achieving equality in society.

-Amy

References:

"Canada's Aging Population: Seizing the Opportunity ." Special Senate Committee on Aging Report. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/402/agei/rep/AgingFinalReport-e.pdf>.

"Marxism (27-Aug-2008)."  Formal Reasoning Group . N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/progress/marxism.html>.

 

Older Adults in the Canadian Workforce: EAPs and Training from a Liberal Perspective

The aging baby boomer generation creates shifts in the labour market. These shifts call attention to the need for increased support of this population in the workforce to ensure well-being and success at work. Between 2001 an 2009, the proportion of older adults in the Canadian workforce (aged 55 and up) has grown from 10 percent to 17 percent. Stats Canada projects that this figure will rise to 24 percent by 2021 (Statistics Canada, 2011).

Older adults in the Canadian workforce experience higher levels of personal and workplace stress which are increasing over time. They also experience more conflict and relationship problems in the workplace. Finally, they are less likely to access Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) than their younger counterparts (Fairlie, 2004). EAPs developed in the 1940s out of industrial alcoholism programs. Today they are used as support programs in the workplace that cover a broad range of areas including work-related stress, addiction, personal stress, conflict, relationship challenges, and any other factors that may hinder an individual’s success in the workplace (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2009).

Through liberal ideology, high employment in Canada is ideal. Supporting the labour force keeps productivity high which perpetuates the success of the markets. One with a liberal perspective would concede that we can live successfully under a capitalist system; however, the government should step in to give those who fall through the cracks a hand up (Mullally, 2007). Although for the most part, a residual approach to welfare is taken when working through a liberal ideology, it appears that a fair amount of attention would be drawn to issues of employment. It could be argued then, through this lens, that EAPs are of benefit to various sectors. By accounting for the challenges of aging, and by working to remedy some of the disparities present between age groups, the production and success of the workforce is upheld.   

Older workers contribute immensely to a workplace. With age, creative problem-solving, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and leadership become honed skills. With age, absenteeism falls and job satisfaction rises (Fairlie, 2004). Older workers thrive when the workplace supports them by accounting for the challenges that they may be facing (Fairlie, 2004). Some of these challenges are based on the changing environment in the workplace brought on by the rise in technology (Fairlie, 2004). These changes are visible across Canada in nearly every sector. Other challenges are linked to personal stress due to the loss of loved ones and increasing health problems (Fairlie, 2004). Another significant challenge is associated with ageism. In one year, between 2001 and 2002, the reported complaints of work place harassment due to ageism rose by 71 percent. Older adults in the workplace are often perceived to be lower in productivity, slower in decision making, resistant to change, and slow to learn. Evidence suggests that this is not the case. Even with radical changes in technology and the expectations of faster and more intensified work, older workers are as productive as their younger counterparts with the appropriate training (Fairlie, 2004).  

To ensure the well-being and success of older Canadians in the workforce, more attention should be given to encouraging older workers to access EAPs. Currently, younger workers access EAPs for fairly minor complaints, whereas older workers only access them when significant challenges are present (Fairlie, 2004). More attention should also be given to appropriate training and programs that help older workers adapt to new technologies. The value of older workers is tremendous. They bring wisdom, knowledge, and experience to the table. These qualities should not be undermined. The workers who possess these qualities should not be left stranded. Finally, as young workers, we should be aware of what we have to gain from our older colleagues in the work place and we should be cognizant of our own biases about older adults at work.

Thank you,

-          Kayla T.

References

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, (2009). Employee assistance programs (EAP). Retrieved from website: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/eap.html

Fairlie, P. (2004). The aging workforce: An EAP’s perspective. WarrenShepell Research Group, 3 (6), 1-7. Retrieved from http://www.morneaushepell.com/_brochures/reports/ir_agingpop_enREPORT.pdf

Mullally, B. (2007). The new structural social work. (3^rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Statistics Canada, (2011). Study: Projected trends to 2031 for the Canadian labour force. Retrieved from website: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110817/dq110817b-eng.htm

Senior's homelessness, physical security and income security, a hierarchy of needs...

     I have always been a strong advocate and a voice of compassion for the social inequality for the housing crisis faced by our people, especially for our senior citizens! The Federal Government has a fiduciary responsibility to address our housing needs. (Aboriginal Roundtable to Kelowna Accord, Aboriginal Policy Negotiation [ARKA, 2004-2005]) [NAHA, 1993].  Their constant desire to “pass the buck’ is transparent in our sub-standard living conditions in all of our communities across Canada.

 

    National Chief, Atleo was instrumental in teaming up with celebrity home builder, Mike Holmes on a joint initiative to create a housing project on the Whitefish Lake First Nation in Ontario. The article written by the CBC quoted a response from the celebrity home builder “If we include them in the build – we teach them new theory, which is what I am doing in Whitefish Lake – If we do this, they’ve done it themselves (CBC, 2011) ".This certainly reflects a liberal ideology. Education is key!

    Our First Nation communities do not have the financial resources to build sustainable housing for our aging population. (AOKFN, 2011)  We need housing stock that is designed specifically to meet their needs.  Housing policies at the band level do not recognize their housing needs and is solely based on the needs of families with children (AOKFN, 2011).  There is ageism and discrimination within our current practices.  

     A majority of seniors reside with their families due to the lack of affordable housing on reserve (CMHC, 2008) and the lack of income security.  This creates overcrowding which results in a variety of social problems and sick home syndrome (UCCMM, 2011).  There is also a new trend where some tend to move from house to house sleeping at friends or neighbor’s homes due to a wide range of social issues encountered by their children. 

     Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, basic needs for physical survival is fundamental which must be achieved and satisfied in a sequence to advance to the highest level of satisfaction. (Maslow, 1968).  (P Ebersole, PA Hess, AS Luggen, 1998) As their needs for basic survival are not being met, they themselves are going through a downward spiral of addiction issues.  Gambling and alcohol addictions are so prevalent with our older population. (Ladd, GT, Mulina, Kerins, Petry, 2003).  A sadness enters my heart when I see the destructive path that are seniors walk upon when they don’t have a place to rest their body, mind and spirit.  They truly need a place to call their own. 

     Senior Citizens in my community do not have a private pension and live on a fixed income of Old Age Security, GIS and Provincial Territorial supplements.  The combined income is little over $1000.00 per month. (Hick, S. 2007). It’s very difficult for them to maintain the cost of a house. The hydro and fuel costs in the north are significantly higher and would take up a majority of their income.  Housing options are quite limited or none whatsoever due to affordability and availability (UCCMM 2011).   

     In order to address both issues we need to build rent geared to income housing in our communities that are inclusive of their special needs, such as home adaptations that address physical limitations. The explosive youth population (Statistics Canada, 2008) is creating a huge impact on reserve and our seniors are going to be left at the curb if our local leaders simply focus on that demographic.  We must also pressure the Federal Government and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the National Housing Agency to combat the housing crisis faced by our senior citizens in all our First Nations across Canada.
 

Miigwetch, Janet            

 

 

REFERENCES

      

Aboriginal Roundtable to Kelowna Accord – Aboriginal Housing Negotiation

(Citation) The National non-reserve Aboriginal Housing Strategy

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation - Housing Policy and Caldwell & Caldwell Audit Presentation

Brown & Hannis, Community Development - Maslow 1968

CMHC Research Highlight - Impacts of Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities Retrieved from: htpp://www.cmch.ca/researchdivision/agingofthecanadianpopulation.html

Ebersole, P., P.A. Hess, Luggen, AS, - Towards Healthy Aging – human needs and nursing response

Hick, S. - Social Welfare in Canada, Understanding Income Security, 2nd Ed. 

Journal of Geriatric Psychology & Neurology – Ladd, G. T., Mulina, Kerins, Petry

Statistics Canada, 2008
               

CMHC Research Highlight – Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities

United Chiefs & Councils of Mnidoo Mnising- Mnaadmadzwin Helath Report & Technical Unit Housing Report 2011

Teach First Nations to build their own homes:  Retrieved from: htpp://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/12/02/f-firstnations-housing.html