Depression In Older Adults

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Depression in Older Adults Anjeli Patel ORG 6300 - Instructor: Kristin Ballard July 4th, 2011 Depression in Older Adults Personalities consist of many different characteristics that make up our individuality and dictate how we will interact with our environment and the people in it. In older adults, personalities tend to become more agreeable and open. Nevertheless, although older adults may appear to be happier than younger adults are, they still have to face aging. They could potentially have more health problems. They will have to retire from their jobs, which could result in the loss of social contacts. The loss of a loved one is devastating for older adults, also. These factors and others may lead to depression. “Depression has been defined as, hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety symptoms, memory complaints; loss of pleasure, slowed movements, irritability and loss of interest in personal care” (Goncalves, Albuquergue, Byrne, & Pachana, 2009. p.610). Depression could potentially reduce the quality of life and possibly increase medical morbidity and mortality in older adults. Older adults tend not to recognize the symptoms of depression, and if they do, they will not seek any type of treatment. This may be because of embarrassment, lack of care, they are not sure where to go, and the medication they are taking may interfere with medication they have to take for depression. Vision Impairment and Depression One aspect of life that many be reduced is their vision. Stereotypically, we see older adults as being “blind as a bat”! Being vision impaired is often a serious but neglected concern among older adults. Older adults with vision impairment often find out that their activities are limited. For example, walking, getting in and out of bed, going out, cooking, driving, reading, and taking medication. All of this will lead to older adults becoming

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