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Caregivers in La Jolla Happy About Lower Depression Rates Among Seniors
As senior caregivers in La Jolla, we would like to think that we are primarily responsible for a slight decrease in depression among seniors in San Diego County over the last decade or so. But actually, the decrease is nationwide, according to a new and encouraging study. It seems that seniors across the country are less likely to be depressed than they were fifteen years ago, perhaps because they face fewer pressures and sources of confusion during their later years.
What Causes Depression?
Like most mental conditions, depression usually has a complex set of causes. But in general, experts believe that seniors become depressed when they experience drastic changes in their life circumstances. Between retirement, the death of friends and family members, and increasing health issues, seniors have a lot of those changes to face. If family members don’t rally and help them through these difficulties, seniors may well contend with depression.
A Declining Trend
Thankfully, the new research shows that depression is becoming less of a problem among almost all senior age groups. Caregivers in San Diego County can partner with family and friends to help seniors cope with the many changes happening in their lives. They can remind them that not all of the changes are bad ones! Retirement creates opportunity to spend time with grandchildren, take up a hobby, or simply catch up on relaxing after a long, full life spent working. These encouragements, along with improved depression medications and other medical advancements, are probably responsible for the lower depression rates.
Good News for Caregivers in San Diego County
One of those drastic life changes that many seniors experience is leaving their family home to live in a long term care facility. Sometimes that move is unavoidable, but in many cases it is not as necessary as it seems. Professional caregivers can provide all the help necessary to allow many seniors to remain at home, free of the responsibilities that they just can’t take care of any longer.
Originally posted 2013-07-25 10:30:31.
