We all have times when we are down or feeling blue. These times are natural in life because not every day can be perfect. Sometimes we experience a loss, suffer from a chronic illness, or worry. Sometimes these episodes last a day and sometimes a few days. During these times we may exhibit coping mechanisms like social withdrawal, oversleeping, or low energy. These are common reactions. However, if these feelings persist over several weeks, it may be depression.
As we age we are at higher risk for depression. It is not a normal part of aging. There are no high percentage statistics of depression in older adults. But are the numbers real? Many older adults don’t reach out to their healthcare providers and discuss depressive moods. They discuss insomnia, fatigue, lack of appetite, or any of the other signs of depression. This causes misdiagnosis and depression is often not treated. Unfortunately, sustained depressive episodes alter our physiology and can lead to accelerated biological aging.
There are many causes of depression. In older adults, the root cause can be hidden due to the physical and mental decline we experience as we age. We encounter aging bodies that inhibit our mobility, we struggle with chronic diseases and we suffer from insomnia. Our brains begin a cognitive decline that causes us to think slower, have shorter attention spans, and have difficulty holding information and remembering words. Since so many symptoms mirror those of depression, being able to distinguish the differences will help us to know when to ask for help.
As we age our quality of sleep declines. Those of us over 60 become prone to insomnia. Yet, sleeplessness is a symptom of depression. We will look at some of the most common symptoms of depression and how they mirror conditions making diagnosis and treatment of depression difficult for us.
INSOMNIA
There is a long list of factors that contribute to our sleep problems as we age. These can include sleep disorders, internal timeclock changes, breathing difficulties, and medications. Cognitive changes associated with memory loss, impaired concentration, and decreased function also contribute. Lack of sleep increases the risk of serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Research has shown that sleep disorders add stress to the body, weakening our immune system and increasing inflammation. Quality of sleep contributes to our overall health, including lowering the risk of disease.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Aging increases our risk of feeling alone and experiencing social isolation. Life changes that include living alone, loss of partners, family members, or friends, and transitioning from work to retirement all lead to isolation. Chronic illness and physical decline, like hearing loss, can also contribute. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, even when you are with others. Social isolation is lacking a connection with others. Studies have shown “social isolation is associated with a 50% higher risk of dementia, 29% increase in heart disease, 32% increase in risk of stroke. Loneliness is associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with nearly 4x increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization and 57% increased risk of emergency room visits.” (www.cdc.gov/aging/). Our need for socialization as we age is an important part of holistic aging practices. Making a conscious effort to build and maintain interconnectedness with others contributes to both our physical and mental well-being.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
The physical and physiological changes associated with growing older can also contribute to our feelings of despair. Physical changes include balance, gait, and loss of muscle mass. Conditions that restrict mobility are arthritis, muscle weakness, reduced hearing, and vision, as well as, obesity. “Studies have shown older adults who lose mobility have higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalization, and death and poorer quality of life.” (www.nia.nih.gov/). Planning daily exercise and making it a habit is essential for holistic aging. Maintaining mobility is a key component of healthy aging.
ALCOHOL AND MEDICATION USE
Alcohol affects us more quickly as we age. Since we are facing natural cognitive and physical decline, alcohol use can increase health risks. Increased mood disorders, insomnia, lung and heart problems, and memory issues can result. “Alcohol is the most used drug among adults over 65 with 65% of that group reporting high-risk drinking.” (www.nida.nih.gov). When you couple that with medication interaction, alcohol use can be dangerous to our health. As part of a holistic aging practice reducing or eliminating unhealthy habits and choosing to make healthy choices is necessary to ensure our well-being.
When should we ask for help and look beyond the symptoms to the root cause of depression?
We should look for:
-persistent, sad, anxious, or empty mood.
-feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
-irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
-loss of interest, pleasurable activities, including sex
-decreased energy or fatigue
-sadness, loneliness
-anger, frustration
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms that persist for 2 weeks or more, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you think you might be suffering from depression, ask your healthcare provider to treat your symptoms, not the causes. Often healthcare providers prescribe a pill for insomnia, another for your stiff muscles, and yet another to treat your cognitive issues instead of the depression. “Older adults are often misdiagnosed and depression is left untreated.”(www.cdc.gov/aging/depression).
There are habits we can adopt to mitigate symptoms of depression holistically. Mindfully adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise, sleep, a wholesome nutrient-rich diet, social interaction, natural supplements, spirituality, and love can assist in lowering the risk of depression and other mood-related conditions. Silver Chats believes strongly in preventing age-related conditions through holistic aging practices. However, if you feel any of the symptoms we discussed are interfering with your daily life, please seek the advice of a healthcare professional. We all need a little extra help sometimes and asking for it is a strength, not a weakness. Self-care is part of healthy, holistic aging practices. Thank you for joining the chat. We hope you found it helpful.
-KB