Older adults have experienced and witnessed countless events throughout their lives that have impacted them both physically and emotionally. This causes many changes in their behaviour that may lead to several illnesses. If these changes in their environment are severe enough they may induce mental illnesses. The changes that are common causes of stress include: retirement, lower income, as well as passing of friends, family, and spouses (Canadian Mental Health Association).
Common illnesses in older adults are depression, Anxiety, suicidal behaviour, dementia and many more (Help to help, 2008). In the Article Seniors’ mental health and substances use issues states, 7 percent of older adults 65 + show signs of depression, as well 22 percent of suicide is from 60 years and older (Help to Help, 2008). This could pertain back to the loss of a loved one, and can’t handle dealing with the stress of being alone. Dementia also known as Alzheimer’s is very common in seniors. This mental illness is when one losses memory as well as changes in mood behaviour, and ability to communicate (Help to help, 2008).
Treating these problems can be very difficult for the Older Adult as well as the doctor. Normal ageing can be mistaken for an illness, as well as the signs in older adults may look different to those younger (Help to help, 2008). In result of this doctors could potentially prescribe their patients with certain drugs, even though they could already be taking something else (Help to help, 2008). Also a common case in older adults is that they are feeling emotions (which are normal) such as grief, sadness, anxiety and get prescribed medication to help them deal with these feelings (Help to help, 2008). I believe that everyone feels different sometimes and its not always the best solution to get drugs to help you cope with your emotions.
Treating these problems can be very difficult for the Older Adult as well as the doctor. Normal ageing can be mistaken for an illness, as well as the signs in older adults may look different to those younger (Help to help, 2008). In result of this doctors could potentially prescribe their patients with certain drugs, even though they could already be taking something else (Help to help, 2008). Also a common case in older adults is that they are feeling emotions (which are normal) such as grief, sadness, anxiety and get prescribed medication to help them deal with these feelings (Help to help, 2008). I believe that everyone feels different sometimes and its not always the best solution to get drugs to help you cope with your emotions.
I believe that many problems older adults face in care homes are because of the lack of social interaction which in results could potentially make you depressed. An example would be my aunt who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her ability to remember even her immediate family was slowly diminishing. It wasn’t long before she was unable to work or live on her own. Our family made the tough decision to put her in a home where she would be properly taken care of. She was lonely in her new home and couldn’t do any of her regular activities she would be doing in her own home. Even though her physical health was well in her new home her mental health was not. She soon became incapable of communicating due to lack of social interaction.
There are many things that need to be done to help our Older Adults from becoming depressed, and even feeling as though they are isolated. Such as, giving older adults a more positive look on life, get them more involved in their communities, don`t just relieve their stress with medication ( Help to help,2008). As well the government should provide Older Adults with social and financial funds that are needed to help them be better-off. Also they should provide easier transportation access, and included more social activities for Older Adults who are frequently stuck at home (Help to help, 2008). In regards to those policies, I believe that it would reduce the chances of depression among Older Adults, as well as the many other mental health problems that can occur. They would be more involved in their communities and would no longer be isolated. As we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping our minds active and open. - Clint Eastwood
-Sara
Citations:
Retrieved from: http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/seniors.asp
Help to help. (2008).Seniors'Mental Health and Substances use issues.
Retrieved from: http://heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/factsheets/seniors
I did not realize that the percentage of suicide among seniors was so high (22%). Though I think that there is more to depression in older adults than social interaction, that is a very good point in the causation of mental illness. I think apart of it is maybe a loss of independence as a result of being more dependent on other people.
ReplyDelete-Morgan
I am wondering what is being done in nursing homes to help make the policy changes you recommended. I think it is important for nursing homes to provide beyond the basic necessities of food and health care. Social interactions and physical activities need to become a part of one’s everyday life. Having social contact gives a person an outlet to release feelings and emotions and by keeping active, adrenaline is going and “happy hormones” are pumped to the brain. I feel that social contact and physical activity could be effective measures to reduce depression with old age.
ReplyDeleteKim
Great post Sara, Going a it off topic, but staying relavant to your post, I worte a post on the holistic model and it seems like it would really benefit the older individuals in nursing homes that you're talking about since it focuses on individual needs and seeks to create a balance in all areas of a person's life. People don't have to be indigenous to use this model it's beneficial to all and can be used to ease many areas in life, if only more people would use it..
ReplyDeleteAgain, good post.
- Jody