The Rise Depression in Older Adults
Life can get harder as we age. “Older individuals tend to experience more loss, they may have a lot of changes like retirement like transitioning from living independently to assisted living, losing some of their close friends and family. It’s the time that their children adult children are trying to tell them what to do, how to act, and it gets difficult because then that also impacts their relationship with their older parents who may not be ready to let go of that autonomy,” said Lee Health Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Hildago.
Dr. Hildago said she’s noticed a rise in depression among our elder population. “There’s a difference between being sad and being depressed. We could all have sad moments, but that doesn’t mean we’re depressed. Depression affects functioning, depression makes it so that you’re not interacting with your friends. You are isolating you’re living in more of a gray color.”
Depression can affect your memory, cognition, and how you function. Dr. Hidalgo said it’s important to check in with older loved ones to see how they’re doing. “If you notice they are saying no more than yes. Do you want to come to dinner? No. Do you want to do this? No. If you notice they’re calling you less, interacting with others if they’re not doing the activities they used to do…If you notice they’re getting a little bit crankier, or maybe even a little forgetful, we want to make sure that they get evaluated.”
Dr. Hildago said in the US, there is a higher rate of depression among older African American and Hispanic men, making it even more important for those populations to get screened. Speaking with your primary care provider or Lee Behavioral Health program is a great first step.
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