RetirementHomes.com - Mental Health

How to Identify Depression in the Elderly

aadmin — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:15:24 +0000

The National Institute for Mental Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness recently released statements addressing the issue of depression in elderly Americans. They point to a common misconception that the common symptoms of depression are just signs of aging, leading to millions of older citizens to suffer in silence. The elderly face a unique set of conditions that drive depressive thoughts. The death of their spouse, long periods of inactivity, and limitations on personal freedom or mobility rank as the most common issues elderly patients cite as the reason for their depression. Coupled with health and financial anxieties, many elderly Americans and Canadians feel hopeless and utterly alone.

Symptoms

Though there are significant changes to the mind during the aging process, there are clear cut warning signs that you or your loved one may have depression.

Pain Without A Physical Cause. Joint and muscle pain are part of growing older; however, there is a strong link between physical pain and chronic or major depression. The mind refers mental pain to the body, and it’s impossible to find a physical cause for the discomfort. Unfortunately, as the pain intensifies, the patient’s depression deepens. If you or your loved one has unexplained pain, schedule a visit with a mental health professional, as well as a doctor, to uncover the root cause.

Energy Loss. People at 70 don’t have the same energy level that they did at 20, and the loss of energy is natural. Where it becomes a problem is when the lack of energy leads to oversleeping, long naps in the middle of the day or the inability to motivate oneself to participate in activities once enjoyed. Again, this symptom creates a destructive cycle, where the person doesn’t have the energy to socialize, which leads to feelings of isolation, causing further depression.

The image of the cranky old man or woman is a popular one in American culture, often played as joke. The reality is that irritability is often a symptom of depression. The suffering feels sad, anxious or hurt, and they don’t know how to resolve their issues, so they lash out at the people around them. Irritability can also be a reflection of insomnia or poor sleeping patterns. Constant anxiety and pain may make sleep difficult, leading to bad moods during waking hours.

Neglected Personal Care. Once depression sets in, sufferers begin to neglect their personal care. This includes everything from taking a shower and washing their clothes, to eating regular meals. In a deep depression the sufferer doesn’t see a reason to keep going, and they start to see themselves as valueless, so taking care of themselves is no longer a priority.

Suicidal Thoughts? Suicide rates for the elderly are rising, and people over the age of 80 are the second most likely to commit suicide in the United States. It's currently estimated that people over 65 now account for close to 20 percent of all suicides. The actual rate may be even higher than reported, because deaths labeled accidental by coroners, such as overdoses, may have been intentional. Any talk of suicide or losing the will to live should be seen as a cry for help, and never ignored.

Depression in the elderly is a serious medical concern, especially as the population ages. Talk to your loved ones about their mental state, look for outward symptoms of depression, and stay engaged in their lives. Doing so will help alleviate the underlying causes of their depression, and make their final years as rich as their first.

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Mental Health

Beat the Winter Blues - Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness

aadmin — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:30:42 +0000

As the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad. You might feel blue around the winter holidays, or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended. Some people have more serious mood changes year after year, lasting throughout the fall and winter when there’s less natural sunlight. What is it about the darkening days that can leave us down in the dumps? And what can we do about it?

Scientists have been studying the winter blues and a more severe type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. They’ve learned about possible causes and found treatments that seem to help most people. Still, much remains unknown about these winter-related shifts in mood.

As with other forms of depression, SAD can lead to a gloomy outlook and make people feel hopeless, worthless and irritable. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as hobbies and spending time with friends.

What Triggers SAD?
Shorter days seem to be a main trigger for SAD. Reduced sunlight in fall and winter can disrupt your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This 24-hour master clock responds to cues in your surroundings, especially light and darkness. During the day, your brain sends signals to other parts of the body to help keep you awake and ready for action. At night, a tiny gland in the brain produces a chemical called melatonin, which helps you sleep. Shortened daylight hours in winter can alter this natural rhythm and lead to SAD in certain people.

How Can SAD be Treated?
Scientists have pioneered the use of light therapy, which has since become a standard treatment for SAD. In light therapy, patients generally sit in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes or more, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. The box shines light much brighter than ordinary indoor lighting. Studies have shown that light therapy relieves SAD symptoms for as much as 70% of patients after a few weeks of treatment. Some improvement can be detected even sooner.

Growing evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy—can also help patients who have SAD. The behavioral part of CBT tries to teach people new behaviors to engage in when they’re feeling depressed, to help them feel better.

If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a health care provider. It’s true that SAD goes away on its own, but that could take five months or more. Five months of every year is a long time to be impaired and suffering. SAD is generally quite treatable, and the treatment options keep increasing and improving.

“Now that I’m a parent, I understand why my father was in a bad mood a lot.”
—Adam Sandler

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Senior Living Professionals

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Sundowner's Syndrome

aadmin — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:52:53 +0000

When patients experience periods of extreme agitation and confusion between the late afternoon hours and into the evening it is often referred to as 'sundowning' or Sundowners Syndrome. The patient affected will appear confused and agitated, restless. Irritability is often directed towards caregivers or nursing staff. Your patient may also have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. Scientists are not entirely sure what causes the flare up of symptoms in the evening hours, but since it follows such a predictable pattern, caregivers can take steps to alleviate some of the stress and aggravation connected with this syndrome.

Triggers for Sundowners Episodes

Patients most commonly affected by Sundowners Syndrome are those afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia, though the symptoms can also appear with other conditions such as degenerative eye conditions. Some medical experts believe Sundowners is closely linked to the natural day and night cycle of the human body and the changing lighting conditions of later afternoon and early evening are often cited as a trigger. Staff shift changes at the nursing home or even simply dinner time can become triggers for an episode during these hours of heightened agitation.

It can be heartbreaking to see your patient suddenly feel the urge to get up and wander, or engage in erratic behavior such as removing all of their clothes in public. Often it is difficult to persuade them from following their course of action. This is when the patient tends to get irritated and at times even violent. Shouting and even lashing out physically is not uncommon in patients afflicted with sundowning. Confusion and memory loss only increase stress on the patient and those that care for them. It is important to remember that unfortunately they seem to have no control over their actions at these times.

Possible Solutions for Sundowners Syndrome

While there is no known cure for Sundowners Syndrome, treating the illness that causes it can go a long way towards alleviating the symptoms. You can observe the patient and find out what will most likely trigger an episode, then work on a solution. If it’s a change in lighting, for example, perhaps an additional lamp will help. If a lot of commotion at certain times of the day, which may occur during a shift change, try to keep it as far from the patient as possible. Since the disorder is linked to sleep disorders as well, a mild sedative may be prescribed to help the patient through these challenging hours. Changes in diet and routine to keep stimulus such as exercise and caffeine intake restricted to the morning hours only can also make a difference.

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Family and Personal Care

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Mental Health

6 Benefits of Senior Centers for Seniors

aadmin — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:21:48 +0000

Whether you are enjoying retirement or still working, senior centers are fast becoming the “it” places to go for seniors. A senior center is a non-profit or for-profit community center where individuals who are 50 years or older can go to enjoy many things including wellness programs. Although you may consider the major benefit of senior centers is getting away from the social media- and text-obsessed younger generation, there are some other benefits as well.

1. Staying Social

Whether you are living alone or with family, senior centers allow you to stay socially active. Even when you’re living with someone, it is easy to isolate yourself away from people. Senior centers are definitely a way to enjoy much of what life has to offer. You will meet new people and participate in community events. There are plenty of educational and arts programs to participate in:

Volunteer opportunities.
Recreational activities.
Programs that offer information and assistance.
Civic engagement opportunities.
Exercise classes.
Art classes.
Social club meetings.

Don’t worry. If your kids are begging to join you at your senior center, there are some intergenerational programs they can attend.

2. Communication

Going to a senior center is a way to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in your area. This can be a big help during election time when you want to know more than what the local media is saying about a candidate. In addition, you can just go there to talk and socialize with other people whether they are other senior members or staff.

3. Financial Advantage

This benefit is probably not discussed a lot because people don't usually discuss their finances unless they have to. If you are on a tight budget due to paying for your medication or other bills, you don’t have to choose medicine over food. Senior centers are usually open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or later. This means you can stop by during breakfast, lunch or dinner for a low cost or sometimes even free meal.

4. Services

Services offered depends on the specific senior center. However, a majority of the centers offer services like:

Public benefits counseling.
Transportation services.
Employment assistance.
Nutrition programs.
Meal programs.

5. Improved Emotional Health

Sometimes when you’re at home without anything to do, you start thinking about the past or feeling useless. What can make things worse is your family’s good intentions. Maybe your children nag you about getting out of the house. Maybe they think you should move into an assisted living community. Their good intentions can make you feel even worse. With so much to do at your local social center, you will experience a vast improvement in your emotional health.

6. Staying Healthy

Why pay for a fitness center or gym when you can have a more affordable and enjoyable time at a senior center? Senior centers offer a great way to stay healthy because of the wide range of fitness and exercise programs they offer. Each program is tailored to meet your fitness level and abilities.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), research shows that older adults who go to senior centers learn to delay and manage the development of chronic disease. In addition, they experience an improvement in their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social and economic wellbeing. So join your peers and enjoy what senior centers have to offer. You’ll definitely find more benefits than listed here.

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How to Deal with the Dangers of Senior Gambling

aadmin — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:36:07 +0000

If I lose today, I can look forward to winning tomorrow, and if I win today, I can expect to lose tomorrow. A sure thing is no fun. Chico Marx

Seniors are at equal risk as other adults for gambling problems, but possess vulnerabilities that cannot be overlooked. Dr. Sandra Rasmussen, a family therapist at the Williamsville Wellness Treatment Center in Hanover, VA, said that bingo and casino gambling are marketed to seniors as social outlets.

Though most play responsibly, the entertainment value can be alluring. Local churches, American Legion chapters or senior centers can act as authentic gaming outlets. “It’s for a good cause,” Rasmussen acknowledged, “but I’ve treated many seniors who will live on tea and toast to play bingo or take trips to casinos.”

Rasmussen has seen the major signs of seniors with gambling problems. Concerned children call on behalf of their parents. The refrigerator is bare. There’s weight loss. Certain behaviors are suspicious – coming home late – lack of contact with children.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Christine Reilly, the Research Director at the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), highlighted that retired people should be aware of many mental health issues, including addictions. Retirement is a transitional period which can include loss of friends, death of a spouse, and lack of work structure, leading to depression and anxiety.

According to Reilly, seniors exhibit the same signs of gambling addiction as the general population, including: spending inordinate amounts of time playing games of chance; withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back – like with drugs and alcohol; gambling for high stakes to achieve the desired mood; lying to family and friends.

“They experience difficulty admitting or even knowing they’re addicted,” said Reilly. “It creeps up on people. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

Reilly encourages prevention strategies:

Have a budget
Keep it fun
Gambling is not a way to make money or escape from problems
The odds are always with the house
Evaluate views of superstition and luck
Gamble with friends, not in isolation

Holly Wetzel, the Vice President of Communications for the American Gaming Association (AGA), attributes education as a key to assisting seniors with gambling problems. Her organization partners with the treatment community to direct people in need of support. "Gamble within your limits for losses," she said. “Don’t borrow money to gamble, and understand how the games work and their odds."

Rasmussen, a treatment specialist, has seen that addiction can defy accepted logic. “Seniors need to identify high-risk situations,” she said. “Like check days. What’s the plan when the social security check or pension check arrives?”

If there’s an identifiable addiction problem, seniors can work with wellness centers and their children to pinpoint urges or cravings. “They need alternatives to gambling. A phone list of recovering seniors to call is critical.” She recommended that adult children pay bills directly rather than giving money to parents with gambling problems.

“Gambling is meeting a need for addicted seniors,” said Rasmussen. “Identify the need – boredom – loneliness. Maybe the family isn’t visiting enough.”

The Need for Accountability

She pinpointed the need for accountability. Seniors with gambling problems need to be shown the consequences of their actions, the dangers to their savings. “We try to show them that they’re responsible for their problem – their loss of money – but they’re also responsible for their recovery.” The shift is away from negativity especially when depression is involved. She agrees with Reilly, from NCRG. Overall health concerns need to be addressed.

Reilly stressed the requirement to deal with the mental health issues underlying gambling disorders. She emphasized the cues to problem gambling – avoiding casinos or lottery vendors – finding replacement activities that provide enjoyment.

All sources agreed that gambling can provide a responsible social outlet with proper monitoring.

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Family and Personal Care

Older Adults Transcend Loneliness through Meditation

aadmin — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 06:20:50 +0000

Meditation is gaining ground as an accepted health practice for older adults.

Professor Jeff Menzise, a clinical psychology professor and a mindfulness meditation expert at Morgan State University, emphasizes that relaxation is a positive effect for all forms of meditation.

"A lot of elders have stress because of life concerns and anxieties about failing to meet life goals," said Menzise. "Family situations can be aggravating."

Dependency issues and fears of aging can distract older people. Menzise said – "Meditation puts their minds at ease, helps them gain a stronger outlook on life, and acquire an optimistic perspective."

"The positive effects of meditation result from detaching the mind from troubling thoughts though breathing techniques, movement or posture," said Menzise.

Meditation can alleviate stress-related diseases where long-term body tension is retained, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Menzise spoke of the overproduction of the stress hormone – cortisol. "Older people often live in a state of constant stress. Their bodies never get a chance to return to a relaxed state where they repair stress damage."

A Breakthrough Study in Meditation for the Aging

In June, 2012, the benefits of mindfulness meditation received a boost when a Carnegie Mellon University study showed a decline in loneliness in older adults who meditated.

Decreased inflammation – a contributor to the growth of numerous diseases – was a major outcome of meditation training for the aging, according to the CMU study.

A Personal Story – Yoga and Meditation in Action

Jerrie Gathe, a Dahn Yoga Foundation volunteer, specializes in teaching yoga and meditation to seniors. The mind-body practice, founded in South Korea over three decades ago, combines stretching, deep breathing exercises and meditation.

Gathe worked most of her life as a registered nurse until health issues forced her into retirement. She found Dahn Yoga to be revitalizing and became a dedicated teacher.

"The form of yoga I teach includes stretching, moving meditation, and a focus on deep breathing," said Gathe.

She became an active volunteer in retirement communities where she observed older adults who encounter a loss of independence.

The techniques she employs help older adults regain control of their bodies and emotions.

"The stretching and moving meditation helps with strengthening the body," Gathe said. "It stimulates circulation and leads to clearer thinking in my older students. The deep meditation component reduces worry and anxiety."

Other Forms of Meditative Practices for Older People

• Zazen – a Buddhist meditation that focuses on posture
• Transcendental Meditation (TM) which invokes a calming mantra
• Qi Gong and popular offshoot, Tai Chi, combines gentle movements and breathing
• Guided Visualization

North American seniors can complement recent breakthroughs in meditation and movement with their traditional religious practices.

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How retirement plans can fall apart in an instant

aadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:29:40 +0000

As John Lennon once famously sang, “Life is what happens to you when you are making other plans,” and that adage is undoubtedly true for Baby Boomers planning their retirement. Anything can happen that will throw a wrench in a Boomer’s retirement, and that is exactly what happened to Stan Hinden, author of How To Retire Happy.

As reported by NPR.com, Hinden, an 86 year-old retired journalist for the Washington Post, started to notice in 2007 that his wife, Sara, started exhibiting characteristics of dementia, including extreme forgetfulness.

Soon after, when Sara became diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Hinden said it became clear to him that she needed the care of a 24-hour Alzheimer’s Care facility that could not be provided at his home. However, he told NPR, the average cost for these communities is more than $7,000 US per month.

Hinden was fortunate to have an long-term insurance package from his employment at the Washington Post, but he still pays about $4,000 out of pocket each month for his wife’s care, and he told NPR that although the cost is significant and unexpected, he remained positive.

“I have faith that we'll get through this in some way as best we can,” Hinden told his NPR interviewer. “That's pretty much my philosophy.”

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Helping the elderly in Israel

aadmin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:39:11 +0000

Volunteers are the life blood of Senior Centers. Without them, these meeting places for older adults to interact and receive much-needed services, could not exist. This situation is true in the USA and around the world.

In a recent story, The Jerusalem Post reported that the city possesses more than 66,000 people over the age of 65. The Jerusalem Center for Senior Health and Life Enrichment in Israel is a much-needed helping site. It offers a morning seniors’ program, an in-house senior day-care center, meals on wheels, and distribution of dry-food packages for underprivileged seniors, and many other services.

The organization was founded 36 years ago by executive director and long-time educator Naomi Sharabi with her 106-year-old grandfather. In its earliest days the center was a soup kitchen to help older adults gain a sense of independence in their later years.

More than 100 volunteers are responsible for the mass food preparation and delivery for elderly residents all over Jerusalem who rely for sustenance according to according to Ms. Sharabi.

The center offers well-organized activities to Jerusalem's aging population. The senior daycare is open to residents across the city from 9 a.m. to noon, provides breakfast, an exercise program, art and cultural activities, and a hot lunch.

The center is making plans to expand. A piece of property has been purchased for construction of a six-story building, set to open in 2014. A full-day care program will be offered six days a week and will include a fitness center, a beauty salon, medical and dental services, dance studios, a concert auditorium and a swimming pool.

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New study says video games make seniors happier

aadmin — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:15:54 +0000

For most of North America, springtime is approaching, and soon after that, the warm weather of summer will arrive. And although many studies have shown the health benefits of exercise for seniors, a new research report has found one of the best ways for seniors to stay happy is by staying indoors and playing video games.

As reported by United Press International, researchers from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, found seniors who played video games, even occasionally, were more likely than their peers to have high levels of emotional satisfaction.

Additionally, seniors who did not report that they play video games were more likely to have higher levels of depression than their peers. The researchers polled people aged 63 and older in their study.

The study, which was published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, found nearly all seniors played video games sometimes: 61 per cent played occasionally, while 35 per cent played at least once per week.

“The research published here suggested there a link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning,” lead researcher Jason Allaire said in a statement, while adding that more detailed surveys will be needed to determine the extent of the impact of video games on seniors.

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Pessimistic people live longer: Study

aadmin — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:52:50 +0000

We’ve heard it many times before: people with optimistic outlooks on life tend to outlive their gloomy and negative peers. But a new study out of Germany has come to an opposite conclusion: that pessimistic people have longer life expectancies than previously expected, and people with glum views actually live longer than those who are optimistic.

As reported by Yahoo! News, the study, which was published in the journal Psychology and Aging, found that pessimistic people were at lower risks for both disability and early death, and researchers attributed the findings to pessimistic people tending to be more careful in their daily lives, hence lowering their risks.

“Pessimism about the future may encourage people to live more carefully, taking health and safety precautions,” lead researcher Frieder Lang was quoted as saying.

The study’s researchers interviewed seniors aged 65 and older in Germany, and when asked how they expect their lives will be in five years’ time, 43 per cent of respondents underestimated their future, 32 per cent overestimated their future, and only 25 per cent were able to accurately forecast what their future would look like.

Are you a generally optimistic or pessimistic person? Do you agree with the study’s researchers that being pessimistic is more likely to keep you from living in a nursing care or Alzheimer’s Care facility? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below:

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