We all feel sad sometimes but that does not mean we are depressed. Sadness is a normal part of life and makes life more interesting. Sadness helps up appreciate happiness. However, it can also turn into depression. Being able to tell the difference might be useful in taking action to seek resources to help improve your mood. Aging often brings about a multitude of feelings, remembering the past, trying to figure out the future, and muddling your way through what’s happening now.
Later in Life
As we get older, everything slows down and doesn’t work so well anymore, as one of my professors always says. Our bodies go through many physical changes such as a change in our weight. Slowing metabolism along with a decrease in levels of physical activity, our bodies might not be able to burn off those calories and they end up being stored as fat. Our hair, skin, and nails also go through physical changes. Leading to wrinkles, our skin becomes dry and brittle. Our hair and nails also become brittle and our hair will gray and thin.
As we age, our mind also goes through its own changes. Decreasing brain cells will lead to memory loss and our reflexes will slow leading to distraction and coordination issues. “Psychomotor speed, the speed in which a person can make a specific response also called reaction time is one of the most studied phenomena of aging, and hundreds of studies point to the same conclusion: People slow down as they get older” (Kail, R.V., & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2014). As we get older, forgetfulness is a common complaint. Impaired memory and changes in cognitive skills are often a result of decreased blood flow to the brain that older people often experience.
Major depressive disorder or clinical depression is persistent and intense feelings of sadness for an extended period of time. Affecting many areas of your life, MDD is a significant medical condition. “There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. A combination of genes and stress can affect brain chemistry and reduce the ability to maintain mood stability. Changes in the balance of hormones might also contribute to the development of MDD” (Major Depressive Disorder).
Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, it is a common problem among older adults. Despite having more physical problems or illness, most older adults are satisfied with their lives. As we get older, important life changes my cause feelings of stress and sadness. For example, moving from work into retirement or the death of a loved one can leave people feeling sad or anxious. Many older adults can regain their emotional balance after a period of adjustment, but some do not and may develop depression.
Spiritually or religious-based coping strategies have been credited for having better physical and mental health in older adults than those who are not religious. “Researchers have increasingly focused on spiritual support which includes seeking the pastoral care, participating in organized and non-organized religious activities, and expressing faith in a God who cares for people – as a key factor in understanding how older adults cope” (Kail, R.V., & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2014).
Associated with better health, role theory is a feeling of control of life and having social power. Older adults start losing roles as active parents, spouses, and employees. Older people have less contact with others and their social networks tend to shrink, due to a decreased amount of social interaction. Thus leading to poorer health.
Although some people are forced to retire due to health problems, generally people retire because they choose to. Most adults are satisfied with retirement; it’s an important life transition. During retirement, some people continue some level of participation in the labor force, such as part-time or volunteer work to achieve personal fulfillment and stay active during retirement.
Family plays an important role as we get older. Most partners and children adopt the caregiver roll out of necessity. You become the caregiver for your partner or parent. Hoping your physical and emotional well-being can handle the challenges the environment puts on you.
References
- Healthline – Depression
- Mayo Clinic – Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health – Depression
- American Psychiatric Association – What is Depression?
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Understanding Depression
- WebMD – Depression
- HelpGuide – Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs
- National Center for Biotechnology Information – Aging and Depressive Symptoms
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