Depression can occur at all stages of life. But there are ages where people are more vulnerable. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable as well. Who are most affected? Isolation, widowhood, health ... what risk factors may promote depressive episodes? Answers.
Depression is a disease of modern times. And seniors are not spared.
Older people and depression
The older they are more affected by depression? It has very little figures on the subject. The few studies have also tended to underestimate the problem. Like a study of the Directorate of Research Studies of the Evaluation and Statistics (DREES) conducted in 2006: it was a lower risk of depressive syndromes among persons 60 to 75 years. But the authors themselves acknowledged many means, including non-inclusion of people in retirement homes.
Thus, it is clear that depression among the elderly are underreported, when they are not masked by such neurological disorders (Alzheimer's ...) or just confused with a problem of dementia.
Reliable figures show however clearly the extent of ill-being of older people: the suicide rate. Compared to the situation in 15-24 years, the percentage of elderly suicide is 5 times higher at 65 and 10 times greater than 85 years! The widowers over 65 years are also most at risk.
Loneliness bad for morale
All studies show that living alone puts them at risk for depression, especially among seniors. This isolation is often accompanied by a lack of social relations, a withdrawal that will foster depressive episodes.
Note: persons in institutions are not necessarily less alone. Even if they are surrounded by other residents, they often find themselves isolated socially and family. This lack of contact with their loved them even more at risk of depression.
Grief and depression
For people who are not isolated, but rather live as a couple, a major event can switch into depression: loss of spouse. According to studies, a widowed person was between 1.7 and 2.4 times more likely to become depressed. Note that men who lose their wives are most affected by this loss. Family, friends ... the environment is essential to support the widowed person and help to overcome the grief.
Finally, it should be noted that physical health is directly linked to mental health: when one breaks down, the other follows. Older people who have health problems are three times more likely to have a depressive episode. Hence the importance of preserving its natural to protect his mind.
