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Early Death for Unsocialised Elderly People

03/05/2016

Depression in elderly people presents itself differently than in teenagers, according to Dr. Mark Fry, a psychologist with the Prevention and Early Access for Seniors program.

Dr Fry gave the example of an elderly lady who did not wish to return home after being discharged from the hospital.

“She liked the people there and they liked her,” Fry said. “When she went home she was alone, she had no friends and she was isolated.”

As we age, it is much easier to become isolated either from losing friends and family to death or moving to a new area and not being able to make friends as easily as when they are younger, Fry said.

“Loneliness is a precursor to an early death,” he said.

Fry highlighted signs of depression in aging people, including withdrawal and isolation from friends and family, as well as a sleeping pattern change and a lack of appetite.

“Interaction with other people is really important,” he said.

Fry noted that one of the highest statistics for suicide in elderly patients is among white males.

“They are experiencing a loss in many ways. From losing a spouse, not working anymore to losing their driver’s license,” he said. “The driver’s license is big.”

Fry advises people to get out and walk at least 10 minutes a day.

“Exercise of any kind lifts your mood,” he said.

People should eat right, try to get a good night’s sleep and go out and engage with other people, which Fry said really is good advice for all ages.

Care workers ought to take into account that the people they care for often depend on them solely for company. They also require help in maintaining any form of social outlet. Therefore the quality of life of the person being cared for is dependent on the person who is caring for them. 

 

Written By:

Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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