The majority of seniors nowadays are experiencing depression — feelings of sadness, worthlessness, irritability, fatigue, and most of the time, lack of concentration. These kinds of emotions are expected if there is a reason behind, but if seniors felt it often, the situation might be more serious than it seems.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 5.7% of adults older than 60 years are experiencing depression at some point in their lives. This situation is called geriatric depression which is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults. Its effect on seniors can reduce their quality of life, and if it worsens, it may be one of the factors behind the increase in suicide.
Cause of geriatric depression
Depression in any age group doesn’t necessarily have a specific cause. Some research says that genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing this disease. However, biological, social, and psychological factors affect depression, especially in seniors.
Some other factors that contribute to depression are:
- Lack of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain such as norepinephrine and serotonin
- Family history
- Personal life events or traumas.
Factors that contribute to depression in older adults due to ageing may include:
- Bounded mobility
- Facing mortality
- Isolation due to being prone to diseases
- Work to retirement transition
- Financial instability
- Chronic medical conditions
- Divorce or widowhood
- Death of loved ones and friends
- Continuous substance abuse.
Geriatric depression symptoms
Symptoms of depression may happen to any age group. In addition to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, irritability, fatigue, and lack of concentration, here are the symptoms that one may also experience:
- Apathy
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
- Physical aches and pains.
Treatment
Since depression doesn’t have a specific cause, it means that one particular treatment does not always work for everyone. You have to have the proper treatment that will suit you with the help of a mental health professional. However, there are lifestyle changes that you may consider for treatment, such as:
- thinking of more physical activities
- adopting fun hobbies that can distract you from overthinking
- bonding with your family and friends
- getting enough sleep every day
- eating a well-balanced diet.
Also, there are therapies that can help elderly people manage their depression. One of which is delving into art therapy, allowing you to express your feelings creatively. And psychotherapy, where you speak in a private setting with a trained therapist.
ASAG understands seniors with depression
If you own a home and need funds to finance treatment for your depression, you may do so through our reverse mortgage so you can live your retirement to the fullest.
The ASAG Reverse Mortgage won’t be a trigger to your depression since you don’t have to worry about regular repayments. The loan is paid off when you permanently leave your home, either you downsize, move to aged care, or pass away. The funds you receive can be used in your Aged Care expenses, specifically with the treatment that you need to relieve the difficulty you are experiencing.
The ASAG team is more than happy to assist you with further details about how our reverse mortgage works. Our lines are open on 1300 002 724 and at info@asagfirst.com.au, so feel free to call us or send your enquiries about our equity release solutions.
You can also get started by using our tool below to assess your available equity.