DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY

Studies indicate that older adults are commonly subject to depression (McDougall, 1994, pp. 212-218). Depression is possibly the most serious of the psychological problems that are faced by older adults (Badger, 1994, pp. 144-146). Literature is reviewed in relation to the development, experience, and treatment of depression in elderly persons.

As individuals age, psychological, physiological, and sociological changes occur that cause interpersonal communication to become more difficult, while simultaneously increasing the need of the individual for effective interpersonal communication (McDougall, 1993, pp. 28-30). Often, neither the elderly individual nor younger persons interacting with the elderly individual are cognizant of such changes. The outcomes of such a situation are all too often social and physical isolation for the elderly with predictable further psychological and physiological deteriorations.

Depression in older adults is often either induced or exacerbated by problems related to the social and physical isolation stemming from life cycle changes. The capacity to recognize and develop strategies to deal with such life cycle changes before depression develops is required (Dimond, Caserta, and Lund, 1993, pp. 253-268. This requirement establishes the relevance of this investigation of problems and issues associated with depression in the elderly.Summary of the Studies

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in older adults is often induced by a sense of uselessness. Contemporary studies have also indicated that depression in older adults results from a sense of powerlessness on their part. The most effective coping strategy for older adults in combating depression is one that incorporates the development of a sense of personal worth, and the gaining of a sense of control over one's own life (Kurlowicz, 1993, pp. 30-36). Contrary to the generally held belief, the cantankerous, hard-headed older adult has a far greater chance of surviving to an even older age than does the cooperative and docile older adult. The former retains some control and does not hold on to illusions. Matt and Dean (1993, pp. 187-200) examined the effects of support from friends on the psychological well being of elderly persons. With respect to older adults, one assumption holds that people are well integrated in their middle years, and become less so as they age. Thus, it is thought that satisfactory social integration might be maintained to the extent that middle age patterns are preserved in advancing age. Maintaining middle age patterns, however, is often difficult (Matt and Dean, 1993, pp. 187-200). Aging often brings with it losses of central socia
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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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