Popular culture has made old age synonymous with low mood and general dissatisfaction. Feelings of hopelessness and frustration are common in protagonists of movies and books who are past their youth. However, this narrative goes beyond the silver screen or paperbacks.
A 2024 study in BMC Geriatrics reported that the elderly population has a high prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety. It also noted a correlation between the place of residence of the person and their mental state.
The standard belief is that older people are susceptible to mood disorders due to conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and the loss of loved ones. However, recent medical research has found that physical health conditions could also be behind impaired emotional states.
Diagnosing and understanding them will help us extend the necessary care to our loved ones and feel more equipped as we age.
Nutritional Deficiency of Vitamins B and D
Many older adults compromise with their eating habits, skipping meals or consuming an unbalanced diet. Over time, it may cause nutritional deficiencies that manifest as various physical ailments. Of particular interest here is the group of B and D vitamins.
Psychology Today notes that B12 deficiency can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms when it becomes severe. Vitamin B12 is salient for neurological function. The risk of a possible deficiency is higher among vegetarians and vegans – a dietary choice many adults make as they get older. Since plants don’t produce this vitamin, one must receive it from meat, eggs, and milk products.
New research has also linked Vitamin D deficiency to depression and other challenges impacting mental health. This vitamin has antioxidant properties and can affect the brain tissue. Consequently, it may play a part in triggering mood disorders.
Older adults who have turned vegan may skip some wholesome foods, like fatty fish, eggs, and cheese. These foods are good sources of vitamin D. Senior citizens may get limited exposure to sunlight because they remain indoors and don’t have access to a sun porch. It also interferes with the production of Vitamin D in their body.
Senior adults must proactively assess their diet to include food items abundant in vitamins. It is better to consult a trusted health professional. For example, vegans can consider mushrooms and fortified products to get Vitamin D. Similarly, fortified breakfast cereals and plant-based milks are foods that have vitamin B12 and can be manageable options for addressing dietary gaps.
Bodily Limitations Affecting Daily Life and Social Participation
The incidence of health conditions like chronic pain and arthritis increases with age. Musculoskeletal system changes and repeated strain can lead to severe joint pain and stiffness. It reduces participation in social events and lowers the ability of adults to take care of themselves. Activities like walking or going out to meet friends become daunting.
This situation can make senior adults prone to developing depressive symptoms. Frontiers notes that mood conditions are likelier among arthritic adults with multiple morbidities and those who live alone.
Adults diagnosed with arthritis at an early age are at increased risk of compromised mental states. Since the disease is debilitating, it interferes with all aspects of life, from professional life to social engagements.
One approach to tackling this scenario is to access more social support. A new living arrangement is worth considering for seniors struggling with mobility due to chronic pain.
Deciding to shift to an assisted living house can be difficult. However, some new-age facilities combine 24-hour care with thoughtful social engagements and familial comforts. Heartful Homes recommends considering vital parameters like a healthy staff-to-resident ratio and experienced medical professionals.
A supportive social environment encourages senior adults to find confidence and strength. It can combat symptoms of depression that emanate from restricted movement and persistent pain.
Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medication
Hypertension is a rampant concern among many senior adults. The CDC notes that blood vessels may become less elastic with age. Stiffening arteries make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Hypertension medication has become a staple for many older adults. One side effect of the drugs is vulnerability to depression.
Some studies suggest that a few hypertension drugs can raise the risk of depression among people. Those with certain genetic predispositions are at greater risk. Harvard Health also notes that some blood pressure drugs list depression as a potential side effect.
In fact, some other drugs commonly administered to senior adults also list depression as a possible repercussion. They include medicines for anti-reflux, pain, and anti-seizures. Researchers are unsure about the existence of a causal relationship. After all, a doctor may prescribe some drugs to those who already struggle with poor mental health. For example, prolonged stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues.
Still, you must consult with the doctor about your family’s mental wellness history before commencing a drug regimen for any health problems. Also, stay vigilant of your body’s response toward any medicine. Identifying challenges will let your physician revise your prescription.
How Senior Adults Can Deal With Low Moods
Regardless of the cause behind mood conditions, their impact on your daily life can be distressing. Besides a lasting feeling of sadness or emptiness, depression can affect your interest in hobbies and self-care.
When left untreated, it can impact your sleep and energy levels. Feelings of self-harm may also develop in some adults.
The National Institute on Aging recommends seeking talk therapy as the first course of action in dealing with depression. Sharing your feelings with a therapist can feel liberating, letting you feel heard and understood. A psychiatrist can assess if you can benefit from medication or exploratory treatments.
Destigmatizing treatment for mental health issues will be crucial to developing a nurturing, empathetic community. This is especially true for senior adults since they are predisposed to mental health challenges due to underlying health concerns.
Aging is indispensable; all of us are getting there. Actively pursuing healthier lifestyle habits can reduce our risk of developing depression and anxiety in old age. However, one should not hesitate to seek help when needed. There is a reason human beings grouped themselves into communities. Social structures have immense potential for healing and rejuvenation.