Depression and Seniors, Illnesses to Watch For

I visited my father over the Memorial Day weekend, and he was not the same as when I visited him last year. I asked him what was wrong, but he just said that elderly people like him get depressed. Is depression normal in seniors?

The difficulties that seniors face as they are aging are physical decline, emotional adjustments and the realization of their mortality.

They are fully aware of the gradual loss of muscle strength throughout their bodies. The simple tasks of walking upstairs, opening a jar or walking into the doctor’s office become more exhausting. Arthritis, diabetes and heart disease become more common when we age, making every task a chore.

Aches and pains in the back, neck and joints are a constant reminder to a senior that their body is in decline. Having to use a walker for stability is necessary for their safety but not always welcomed. Think of it as an unwelcome rite of passage necessary to keep them safer from falls and stumbles. Seniors recognize that they need the walker, but it is a constant reminder of their physical decline.

Your father spent most of his life active and vibrant. Now he is realizing that he is no longer the same physical person that he used to be. He is having to make emotional adjustments in how he perceives himself and the world around him.

Emotional adjustments can include different factors. Loss of loved ones and changes in the routine of their social circles can be devastating. Adjusting to the vacuum of loneliness that arrives after losing a spouse, friend or family member is very difficult to deal with on their own.

If they don’t stay busy with activities that they like to do and venture out to make new friends, they have a greater chance of slipping down the depression slope. Having family and friends that can engage with seniors more during this difficult time is very helpful to them as they adjust to their new reality.

Without these positive distractions and helpful ways to deal with their new adjustments, they focus on their own pain, mortality, grief and loneliness. Left alone, seniors might fall into a depression so deep that they get inadequate sleep, nutrition and lose the willingness to live. These are serious issues that must be brought to the attention of their doctor.

You can help by being attentive and supportive to your father. Visit more, call him more often and find activities in his community that will get him out of his house. New friendships, activities and socialization is one of the best activities to help him feel like he is still part of the world outside of his home.

What are the chronic illnesses I should watch out for as I get older?

Seniors who live in America can expect to live longer than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once you pass the age of 65, you can expect to live an average of 19.3 years.

For many of us, we can expect to manage chronic conditions to stay healthy, by making healthy lifestyle choices. The question is, are you among 41% of people over 65 who can claim their health is very good or excellent? By working closely with your healthcare team, it will help you to live a healthier and longer life even if you have chronic diseases.

“Arthritis is probably the number one condition that people 65 or older contend with,” said geriatrician Marie Bernard, MD, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland. The CDC states that arthritis affects approximately 49.7% of seniors over the age of 65. Although it is painful and limits mobility, it is important to work with your doctor to personalize an activity plan so that you can stay as active as possible.

Heart disease, according to the CDC, remains a leading killer of adults over age 65. This chronic disease affects 37% of men and 26% of women, according to the Federal Interagency Forum of Aging-Related Statistics.

Risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Healthy eating, while limiting salt, sugar, fat and fried food, can help improve your chances of maintaining a healthy weight and healthier heart as you age.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among seniors over age 65. The CDC reports that 28% of men and 21% of women are living with cancer. If caught early, through ultrasounds, mammograms, colonoscopies and skin checks, many types of cancers can be caught early enough to be successfully treated.

Be proactive in your medical treatment. Make sure to contact your doctor if you see or feel something different from your normal. Don’t stick your head in the sand! Work with your medical team for the best outcomes. Excessive smoking and drinking can also be the cause of many cancers.

Respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, are the third most common cause of death for those over age 65. The CDC reports that 10% of men and 13% of women are living with asthma, while 10% of men and 11% of women are dealing with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. These chronic diseases make seniors more vulnerable to pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were the leading causes of death in 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics. Combined, they accounted for 65,967 deaths, an increase of 11.4% from 2021. Cognitive impairment has a huge impact on chronic illness for seniors across the spectrum. Patients with cognitive impairment very often do not take medication as instructed by their doctors due to forgetfulness and it can become a devastating event if they have a chronic illness.

“Osteoporosis is a major health concern for Americans. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion estimates that 10 million Americans over age 50 are affected osteoporosis. The majority are women, but about 2 million are men.

This low bone mass or osteoporosis puts seniors at risk for a fracture or breaks that could lead to poor senior health and reduced quality of life. Being mindful of where you step and how you step is critical for those with osteoporosis. One fall can change your whole world. Use walkers to steady your step and help with your balance.

Living the best and healthiest life we can is very important. We are most likely to have issues with one or more chronic diseases as we age. By being proactive and focused on our physical and mental wellbeing it will help us to live a happy and fulfilled life.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems.

If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.